In early May, a delegation of twelve McLeod Health Facilities Management staff members attended the South Carolina Society of Hospital Engineers (SCSHE) Annual Spring Conference in Greenville. This was the 65th anniversary of the conference. During the event, Carl Ford, AVP of Facilities Management, said that when the history of SCSHE was shared it included information that in the Spring of 1959, I.E. Helmey of McLeod Hospital helped start the Pee Dee Chapter of Hospital Engineers which eventually became SCSHE.

The SCSHE Conference offered a dynamic platform for the McLeod team to gain valuable insights, forge connections, and strengthen their collective expertise. Over the course of the two-day event, attendees participated in a robust agenda featuring cutting-edge topics critical to modern healthcare facilities management. Key sessions focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing facility operations, as well as innovative strategies for energy conservation in hospitals to substantially reduce costs. These discussions provided the McLeod team with actionable knowledge to implement at McLeod Health facilities, aligning with our mission to deliver efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare services.

“We are especially pleased to highlight the leadership of Kyle Stewart and Tonya Thompson with McLeod Health who serve on the SCSHE Board. Kyle, as the Lowcountry Representative, advocates for the unique needs of facilities in the coastal region, while Tonya, as the Secretary, plays a pivotal role in organizing and documenting the Society’s initiatives. Their contributions reflect McLeod Health’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of the industry through active participation in professional organizations,” added Carl.

The 65th anniversary conference was a resounding success, and the McLeod team returned inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections, according to Carl. “We look forward to applying these insights to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our facilities, ultimately supporting McLeod Health’s mission to provide exceptional care to our communities.”