7 August 2025
A Black Country hospital fire safety manager organised and hosted a major national conference as part of her commitment to patient safety.
Philippa Hayward, Group Head of Fire Safety Services at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, organised and hosted the 2025 NAHFO (National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers) Annual Conference in her role as Chair of the West Midlands Branch.
Held in Stratford-upon-Avon, this year’s event marked a step forward for the association — with the introduction of hands-on education and knowledge workshops for the first time.
Phillippa said: “These practical sessions gave people the opportunity to engage in focused, peer-led learning on key topics such as emergency lighting compliance, horizontal evacuation planning, and the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
“The workshops were incredibly well received and have already led to meaningful discussions and shared learning across organisations.
“We were also honoured to welcome Dame Judith Hackitt as our keynote speaker. Best known for leading the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Dame Judith delivered a powerful message about leadership, competence, and cultural change, all of which are fundamental to delivering safe healthcare environments.
“Importantly, all work for NAHFO is carried out voluntarily, in our own time — a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of those involved.”
The RWT Fire Safety Team has been consistently recognised at NAHFO conferences in recent years, winning accolades such as the NAHFO Ambassador Award and a new award introduced to celebrate individuals newly entering the fire safety profession.
Philippa added: “These honours reflect not just personal achievements, but the strength and dedication of the team as a whole.
“Representing the Trusts at national level and helping to drive forward the healthcare fire safety agenda, continues to be a privilege.”