Knowlex is hosting four essential conferences dedicated to advancing healthcare through infection prevention, patient safety, and innovation.
Taking place over two days at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, these events will bring together leading experts, groundbreaking research, and the latest advancements to address key challenges in infection control, sepsis management, mental health infection prevention, and decontamination and sterilisation.
Scheduled for 29-30 April 2025, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, Knowlex's conferences offer a comprehensive exploration of contemporary infection prevention and patient safety issues. As healthcare systems continue to evolve in response to emerging threats, antimicrobial resistance, and lessons learned from recent global pandemics, these events will serve as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and professional development.
Infection Prevention and Control Conference
The Infection Prevention and Control Conference is a two-day event that delves into the latest developments in infection prevention. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise and new pathogens emerging, the need for robust infection control strategies has never been greater. This conference will explore the UK's response to these challenges, including insights from the COVID-19 Inquiry, discussions on mutating respiratory viruses, such as H5N1, and the increasing threat posed by fungal infections.
Experts will also discuss how AI-driven technologies are transforming infection control in hospitals and healthcare settings. Additionally, practical workshops will offer guidance on selecting the most effective disinfection methods and ensuring material compatibility in healthcare environments.
Among the hot topics include:
- Emerging threats to UK diagnostics: Dr. Lisa Stevens, Head of Pathogen Diagnostics Assurance Group, Senior Scientific Advisor, UKHSA.
- Zoonotic overspill of rapidly mutating respiratory viruses are the likeliest candidates that pose pandemic risk. They also pose a threat to existing diagnostics. In 2025, the globe has seen a rapid expansion of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) with demonstrated species expansion within H5N1 strains. In the US, species expansion has been observed in H5N1 B3.13, D1.1 and D1.2 genotypes, with transmission events identified in species that are not usually hosts for H5N1, including cattle.
Let's Talk Sepsis Conference
Taking place alongside the Infection Prevention and Control Conference is an event focused on Sepsis - one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. The conference will focus on early detection, patient-centered care, and best practices in sepsis management.
It will feature a powerful session from Melissa Mead MBE, who will share her personal experience of losing her child to sepsis, underscoring the importance of timely recognition and intervention. Discussions will include advancements in paediatric sepsis detection through the Phoenix Criteria, the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance in sepsis treatment, and the importance of early detection of community-acquired sepsis. Healthcare professionals will gain practical strategies for improving sepsis awareness and training across emergency and primary care settings.
IPC in a Mental Health Setting Conference
Infection prevention in mental health environments presents unique challenges that require tailored strategies. The IPC in a Mental Health Setting Conference will explore key issues such as managing tuberculosis outbreaks in psychiatric units, ensuring the safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) without compromising patient dignity, and implementing crisis infection prevention protocols in unpredictable environments. Experts will also discuss the difficulties of ensuring compliance with infection prevention guidelines in mental health settings, offering innovative solutions to break communication barriers and enhance adherence to best practices. This conference is designed for professionals working in psychiatric hospitals, forensic mental health, and learning disability services.
Decontamination and Sterilisation Conference (29 April only)
The Decontamination and Sterilisation Conference will examine the evolving landscape of medical device decontamination, focusing on sustainability and innovation. With healthcare institutions facing growing pressure to adopt more environmentally responsible practices, this conference will address strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of decontamination processes while maintaining the highest infection control standards.
Experts will discuss the persistent risks posed by biofilm contamination in endoscope decontamination, the ongoing debate over transitioning from high-level disinfection to full sterilisation of endoscopes, and the latest research on protein residue removal from reusable medical devices. NHS procurement specialists will also lead a panel debate on the challenges of loan sets, track and trace, and the future of medical device management.
With four high-impact conferences taking place at a single venue, this event represents an unparalleled opportunity for healthcare professionals to deepen their expertise and contribute to the future of infection prevention. Secure your place today and be part of the movement shaping the future of patient safety and healthcare innovation. For further information on IPC, visit: https://www.infectionpreventioncontrol.net For further information on DAS, visit: https://www.decontaminationandsterilisation.co.uk To register, visit: www.knowlex.co.uk or contact 0161 710 3302
