Smart Retrofit Strategies for Future-Ready Healthcare Facilities
In this session, Simon Ward of Distech Controls will explore how smart retrofit strategies can help healthcare facilities unlock better performance from the buildings they already have. Attendees will discover how open, interoperable and IP-native controls can improve visibility, reduce energy waste, strengthen cyber resilience and support the journey to net zero, without the disruption of full redevelopment.
Drawing on real challenges facing healthcare estates teams, the session will show why a controls-first approach can deliver practical gains today while creating a smarter, safer and more sustainable foundation for the future. It will also reference Distech Controls’ recent work with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, where a phased, open-platform BMS strategy is helping modernise legacy infrastructure across live hospital sites, improve estate-wide visibility and reduce operational risk.
Session Speaker
Simon has extensive experience in building automation, smart controls and commercial building technologies, as well as deep technical and market insight into how advanced control solutions can improve building performance, occupant experience and operational efficiency. His expertise spans room controls, building management systems and the practical application of intelligent automation across offices, hotels, apartments and other commercial real estate environments. Since joining Distech Controls in 2015, Simon has played a key role in expanding the company’s presence across the UK and Ireland, building a successful team and helping to position Distech Controls as a Tier 1 vendor in the market.
