AfPP attracts inspirational speakers

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) will tackle the most topical issues in perioperative care at its annual congress and exhibition (12–15 October 2009, Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire). The event attracts 5,000 perioperative practitioners from across the country, as well as a sizeable contingent from across the world. All those working in perioperative care should make time to attend some, or all of, the event – including theatre nurses, operating department practitioners, those working in procurement, decontamination staff and support workers. This year’s event looks set to be bigger and better than ever before – attracting top names in their field, as well as a number of high profile inspirational speakers, such as TV presenter and campaigner, Gloria Hunniford. Delegates can join Gloria Hunniford at the Medline Industries sponsored Breast Cancer Breakfast Symposia, held in the main auditorium at 7.30 on the Thursday morning. The symposia will commence with breakfast refreshments and Gloria Hunniford will give what will be a poignant and personal account of her work with the Caron Keating Foundation. The Caron Keating Foundation was set up by Gloria and her sons Paul and Michael in memory of her daughter Caron, who died of breast cancer aged only 41. The Foundation offers financial support to professional carers, complementary healing practitioners and support groups dealing with cancer patients, as well as individuals and families who are affected by the disease. It also helps a number of cancer charities with their ongoing quest for prevention, early detection and hopefully an ultimate cure. The foundation website is www.caronkeating.org. All are welcome at this compelling and inspirational event. Formula One’s Richard West will also be the opening speaker. Richard West has held senior commercial roles with several Formula One teams and now uses his experiences in motor sport as examples of how to achieve optimal performance in high pressure environments where dealing with change is paramount. Delegates will be invited to imagine their organisation as a Ferrari or a McLaren, a Toyota or a Force India team; their management as a pit crew; and their surgical team as the race team (supported by Uniplex). Presenting the Daisy Ayris lecture, Dame Jacqueline Docherty is the Chief Executive of West Middlesex Hospital. Originally qualifying as a nurse, she held a number of roles including theatre sister at the Royal Free Hospital. In 2004, Jacqueline was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire for services to nursing and the NHS. Her Daisy Ayris lecture on her move from practitioner to chief executive will prove inspirational to all interested in progressing their careers – to whatever level (supported by Ethicon). Professor Harold Ellis, CBE FRCS, will be this year’s closing speaker on Thursday afternoon. Qualifying at Oxford in 1948, Professor Ellis was appointed Professor of Surgery at Westminster in 1962. He retired in 1989. Professor Ellis has contributed to the Journal of Perioperative Practice for a number of years – his current series of articles recognises notable women in healthcare. His session on surgery and nursing in the early days of the NHS will be both informative and entertaining.

Topical issues

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