Next month, the doors will open on the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) conference and exhibition. Following on from the successful 2009 conference in Harrogate, the event is moving to Bournemouth for two years
Over 700 delegates and visitors attended the event in Harrogate, last year, and the Scientific Programme Committee has been hard at work, ever since, planning the programme for this September. This year’s event is brimming with expert speakers and topical subjects. With over 50 speakers, making a decision on which sessions to attend will be a challenge. To make this easier the following are the main highlights:
Conference programme
The EM Cottrell Lecture, dedicated to the first Infection Control Nurse appointed in the UK, will cover the evolving role of epidemiology in infection prevention. This topic is being presented by Professor Jacqui Reilly, head of the Healthcare Associated Infection and Infection Control Group, Health Protection Scotland. She will be reviewing the historical contribution of epidemiology to infection prevention and describing the role of epidemiology in our current understanding of HCAI. This popular speaker will also consider how epidemiology will continue to evolve and contribute to infection prevention.
The second eponymous lecture is the Ayliffe Lecture entitled “Preventing and controlling ESBLs, the future is here”. Professor Hilary Humphreys, professor of clinical microbiology and head of department at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and consultant microbiologist at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, will provide an overview of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs). He will discuss the interface across hospitals and community, as well as providing delegates information on prevention and management strategies.
Dr Mark E Rupp, professor infectious diseases, director, healthcare epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, will offer a presentation on the theme: “Infection Prevention Literature 2010: Progress and Pitfalls” – ensuring delegates are familiar with noteworthy publications in the field of infection prevention, while recognising the limitations of recent papers. At the end of this session, delegates will be better prepared to introduce evidence-based changes in practice.
“The future of anti-infectives and the threat of a post-antibiotic era” is a topic that Professor Roger Finch, professor of infectious diseases, University of Nottingham will tackle. He will briefly discuss the global challenge posed by the over use of anti-infectives and explore the future role of antibiotics. To conclude his session, he will discuss the post-antibiotic era and potential for other therapies.
One of the sessions being held was as a direct result of the feedback from delegates last year. IPS was asked if it would be possible for infection prevention and control leads, from across the UK and Eire, to provide a panel – which had led to formation of IPS “Question Time”. Sheila Donlon, from Eire, Carole Fry, from England, Tracey Gauci, from Wales, Ann Mills, from Northern Ireland and Dr. Lorna Willocks, from Scotland, will be on stage to answer questions from the floor and from IPS members. This should provide a useful and interesting opportunity to explore the differences and similarities in strategy between the five countries. It is possible to submit your question via the IPS website www.ips.uk.net and follow the link to the conference programme.
“Infection prevention and control in the military setting” will be addressed by Wing Commander Andy Green, consultant microbiologist / director of infection prevention and control, Defence Medical Services. He will describe how infection prevention and control is delivered in clinical settings outside conventional UK practice.
In his session he will illustrate that even in the most challenging circumstance the basic principles of infection prevention and control can be applied, as well as demonstrate that operational settings often require thinking "out of the box". UK best practice may require adapting to meet physical and operational constraints. Wing Commander Green will emphasise that patient safety is paramount, and that prioritisation of the competing demands in field conditions may lead to novel approaches to infection prevention and control.
One of the highlights on Wednesday is the lecture entitled: “Surgical site infections: Are we doing enough?” The speaker for this session is Dr Darouiche, VA distinguished service professor and director, Centre for Prostheses Infection, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. He will be assessing the impact of surgical site infection and addressing the pathogenesis of infection. His session will conclude with an analysis of the efficacy of preventive approaches.
The Infection Prevention 2010 Conference and Exhibition is being held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 20th – 22nd September 2010. For further information contact 01506 811077 / ips@fitwise.co.uk
Website: www.infectionpreventionconference.org.uk
To book to attend the conference: http://www.infectionpreventionconference.org.uk/booking.php
To book to attend the free exhibition: http://www.eventsforce.net/fitwise/16
