Speakers

Dr Susanne Surman-Lee is a State Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director of Leegionella Ltd, specialising in water hygiene and the prevention of waterborne disease. With over 45 years’ experience in clinical and public health microbiology, she is internationally recognised for her expertise in Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, NTMs and other opportunistic waterborne pathogens. She has supported and investigated more than 60 healthcare facilities following waterborne contamination and infection incidents, and has contributed to key WHO publications on water safety. Dr Surman-Lee has played a leading role in shaping UK and international water safety policy, chairing the development of BS 8680:2020 and BS 8580-2:2022, both identified by BSI as supporting UN SDGs 3 and 6. Her work focuses on embedding patient safety into the design, commissioning and operation of healthcare water systems. Bringing together her scientific, regulatory support and practical experience, Dr Surman-Lee’s current work emphasises the critical role of plumbing design, materials and system management in reducing microbial risk, preventing stagnation, and tackling antimicrobial resistance—positioning engineering as a frontline defence in protecting patients from waterborne infections.