Cathal Sweetman Appointed Chair of the IIESMS Healthcare Systems Group

IIESMS has confirmed Cathal Sweetman as Chairperson of the Healthcare Systems Group, the Institute's sector group for non-clinical healthcare systems, safety, facilities, estates, fire safety, emergency planning and systems improvement.

The appointment gives the Healthcare Systems Group a named chair and completes the current published chair structure across the five IIESMS sector groups.

About the Healthcare Systems Group

The Healthcare Systems Group supports members working in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care settings, healthcare estates and support services. Its focus is professional development, practical competence, CPD and knowledge sharing across healthcare-related systems and safety roles.

Healthcare work often crosses several professional disciplines. A healthcare setting may involve fire safety, evacuation planning, facilities management, safety and health, compliance, maintenance, emergency preparedness and systems improvement. The group provides a structured place for members to address those overlaps through IIESMS.

Cathal Sweetman's Role

Cathal is Director of Compliance at Hamilton Park Care Facility. His professional background includes healthcare governance, regulatory compliance, operational management, risk assessment, internal audits, digital transformation and safety-related infrastructure projects in care settings.

As Chairperson, Cathal will support the group's sector activity, CPD planning, committee engagement and reporting into the IIESMS governance structure. The group remains advisory to the National Council unless authority is expressly delegated.

How Members Can Get Involved

Members and applicants whose work sits in healthcare systems, healthcare safety, healthcare facilities, estates, emergency planning or healthcare compliance can review the Healthcare Systems Group page and the wider Sector Groups page.

Applicants should choose the membership grade that matches their completed qualifications and evidenced experience. The Memberships page explains the full grade structure, and the Find Your Grade page helps applicants identify the most suitable route.

Healthcare members normally use the core membership pathway. Relevant certified discipline grades may also apply where the applicant's evidence fits fire safety, facilities management, safety and health, or industrial/systems improvement criteria.

CPD and Sector Development

The appointment supports IIESMS's wider work in strengthening sector-based CPD and member engagement. Members can use the Continuing Professional Development page to understand annual CPD expectations and how committee participation, professional learning and sector activity can contribute to their record.

To apply for membership, use the Membership Application page. Existing members who wish to contribute to the Healthcare Systems Group can contact the Institute through the usual public channels.