John Austen and I, both currently 'in the wars' healthwise (which is why we're disappointed not to be up at the Manchester Cleaning Show this week) were discussing some worrying failings within our National Health Service, when a press release arrived which argued that facilities management and building services engineering will have a greater influence on worldwide human health & wellbeing than the medical and social care professions. It was actually headed up: "Building engineers will save more lives than doctors" and bearing in mind my conversation with John, I just couldn't ignore it. The message was that greater investment in building and facilities management would be more effective than medical treatment in reducing excess deaths related to respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health conditions. Interesting eh? The piece is below and I'd love your thoughts on the content and how perhaps the cleaning and FM industry could build on its arguments to gain more recognition for the crucial role we play in people's health & safety – and of course, more investment. 

  

At this point, I'd normally write, "See you there," but sadly, this time I can't!