Leading from the front line: AfPP Congress and Exhibition 2011
Leading from the front line: AfPP Congress and Exhibition 2011
Following the highly successful 2010 annual Congress and Exhibition, the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is gearing up for this year’s event, which promises to be both inspirational and highly relevant. AfPP 2011 will take place at Bournemouth International Centre between 19-21 October.
Fuelled by on-going dialogue with its members, this year’s theme of ‘Challenges and change: leading from the front line’ has been sparked by the ground-breaking and fundamental changes to healthcare delivery announced in the Government’s white paper. As the effects of the changes start to be felt on the perioperative front line, the Congress and Exhibition will provide delegates with a thorough understanding of the change agenda, coupled with an examination of the clinical safety aspects of caring for perioperative patients.
This year’s rousing opening session will discuss the importance of team working and personal resilience in armed conflict. Led by a former team leader on aero-med flights in the Afghanistan armed conflict zone, the session will take delegates on a rollercoaster journey of personal challenge, duty and accomplishment. Prepare to be astounded.
Other highlights include this year’s Daisy Ayris lecture, delivered by Dr Suzette Woodward, director of patient safety at the National Patient Safety Association (NPSA). Dr Woodward will talk on patient safety and reflect on the imminent abolition of the NPSA, as well as giving valuable insight into adapting to and leading change.
Also topping the bill at this year’s event will be nurse practitioner and author Mark Radford, who will deliver this year’s Siobhan Rankin lecture. Having recently completed his PhD research on the power dynamics between specialist nurses and doctors in hospitals, Mark’s lecture will examine the complex professional relationship between the two professions.
Drawing on his academic research, Mark will discuss how practitioners and doctors can break down professional boundaries and set aside pre-conceived ideas and prejudices to enhance team working and improve patient care.
AfPP president, Tracy Coates, said: “We are very excited about this year’s congress and exhibition, which we hope will have something for everyone working in perioperative care. Not only, are we making the event accessible to a wider audience by holding it in Bournemouth – after listening carefully to our members - but the theme of leading from the front line in times of change is totally relevant and essential to all perioperative practitioners.”
AfPP 2011 will also include a range of general, specialist and masterclass session designed to provide insightful training for practitioners at every level, combined with uplifting and motivating sessions for personal development. The event will also feature the key AfPP message of empowering individuals to speak out where necessary, which will become increasingly important during the transition period, as the white paper embeds itself in healthcare strategy.
