Countdown to AfPP 2011

Fuelled by continuing dialogue with its members, this year’s theme for the AfPP Congress – “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 paper start to be felt on the perioperative front line, the congress 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. AfPP president Tracy Coates explained: “We always listen very carefully to our members and a change of location was viewed as a popular way to make the congress and exhibition accessible to a wider audience. The thought-provoking theme of leading from the front line in times of change is totally relevant and essential to all perioperative practitioners, and we are very excited about the range and depth of the sessions which we are confident will offer new insights to everyone working in perioperative care.” AfPP 2011 will include a range of general, specialist and masterclass sessions 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.

Opening up

This year’s opening session will discuss the importance of team working and personal resilience in armed conflict. Led by Gezz van Zwanenberg MSc, Dip Crit Care, APMP, Prince 2, a former team leader on aero-med flights in the Afghanistan armed conflict zone, the session will take delegates on a journey of personal challenge, duty and accomplishment. Other highlights will include the Daisy Ayris lecture, delivered this year 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 insight into adapting to and leading change. Nurse practitioner and author Mark Radford, 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, Mr Radford’s lecture will examine the complex relationship between the two professions. Drawing on his academic research, he 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.