At Hersill, we spoke to Beatriz Blanco Burguillo, Head of the Engineering Department at SERMAS, about developments in hospital engineering. We discussed the role of digitalisation, interoperability, collaboration with healthcare technology manufacturers, and the importance of developing solutions tailored to the real needs of hospitals.
Interview with Beatriz Blanco Burguillo
Hospital engineering is no longer confined to the maintenance of facilities and equipment; it is now playing an increasingly important role in the planning and transformation of healthcare facilities. Digitalisation, interoperability and collaboration with industry are redefining the skills required of these professionals.
At Hersill, we spoke to Beatriz Blanco Burguillo, an industrial engineer and Head of the Engineering Department at the General Directorate of Infrastructure of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS), about the challenges facing hospitals, the value of healthcare technology and the importance of the domestic industry.
Hospital engineering has become a strategic pillar for hospitals. How has the role of these professionals evolved?
Traditionally, our role was associated with the maintenance of facilities and equipment and the carrying out of construction works. These tasks remain essential, but our role has evolved and is now much more cross-functional.
Technological advances have led us to act as a link between the needs of healthcare professionals and the available solutions. There is increasing collaboration between doctors and engineers – particularly biomedical engineers – although there is still some way to go before these roles are firmly established in hospitals.
Furthermore, our training enables us to contribute to process optimisation, efficiency and the quality of care. Engineering must also be represented on management bodies, contributing its technical expertise to strategic planning and decision-making.
What are the main challenges and opportunities presented by digitalisation and artificial intelligence?
The key opportunity lies in identifying which technologies actually add value. It is not a question of adopting a technology simply because it exists or because it is in vogue, but rather of analysing which problem we want to solve and which solution can have the greatest impact.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence enable us to move towards predictive models, but we still face significant challenges, particularly in terms of having structured, interoperable and shared data. The challenge is no longer simply to have more technology, but to have technology that is integrated, interoperable and capable of generating useful information for decision-making.
What does a hospital engineer expect from a healthcare technology manufacturer?
The first step is to understand the needs of the hospital, the healthcare professionals and the patients. Collaboration must be built on trust and respect for each party’s expertise. Healthcare professionals understand the clinical need; engineering can translate this into functional, technical and technological requirements; and the industry must be able to turn this into a viable, safe and sustainable solution.
We also expect transparency regarding costs, maintenance, interoperability and the requirements associated with the equipment’s life cycle. I particularly value companies that support the hospital beyond the installation stage, offering training, technical support and the ability to adapt.
What priorities should shape the future of hospital engineering?
The first is to consolidate the presence of engineering professionals within healthcare organisations, where there are still significant differences between different centres.
We must also move towards data-driven management that enables us to anticipate needs and make informed decisions, as well as develop hospitals with more flexible and resilient structures, capable of adapting to new models of care.
Sustainability will be equally crucial – from an energy, environmental and economic perspective – in optimising resources and ensuring the future viability of our organisations.
What advantages do you see in working with healthcare technology developed by Spanish manufacturers?
Having a strong business sector capable of developing healthcare technology in our country is of strategic importance. It fosters innovation, creates skilled jobs and facilitates collaboration between hospitals, research centres and industry.
The pandemic has shown us how important it is to have our own capabilities in critical sectors in order to reduce our reliance on other countries and improve our ability to respond. Furthermore, the close links between manufacturers and hospitals facilitate the development of solutions tailored to the healthcare system’s actual needs.
How has the representation of women in hospital engineering developed, and what message would you convey to young female engineers?
The trend has been very positive. When I started out, the sector was predominantly male, and on many occasions you were the only woman in the engineering department. Today, we are seeing more and more women in technical and managerial roles, although there is still some way to go, particularly at senior management level.
To young female engineers, I would say that healthcare is a fascinating field, where they can combine technology, management and innovation. Although we often work behind the scenes, our decisions have a real impact on healthcare and on patients’ lives.
I would encourage you to explore this world and not to set any limits for yourselves before you even start. What matters is the effort you put in, your ability to learn and your desire to add value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How has the role of hospital engineering evolved?
Hospital engineering has expanded beyond its traditional roles of maintenance and facilities management to play a part in technological integration, process optimisation and strategic planning within healthcare centres.
What are the main challenges facing hospital engineering?
Key challenges include the integration of new technologies, system interoperability, data-driven management and the development of more flexible, efficient and sustainable hospital infrastructure.
What does the Spanish healthcare technology manufacturing sector contribute?
Having domestic manufacturers promotes innovation, skilled employment and collaboration with healthcare centres. Furthermore, it enables the country to develop its own industrial capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign sources in strategic sectors.
