South West Academic Health Science Network Hosts Successful ‘Sharing Best Practice’ Conference in Exeter
The South West Academic Health Science Network (SW AHSN) held a major conference entitled ‘Sharing Best Practice’ on Wednesday 30 November 2016 at Exeter Racecourse. Over 200 health and care professionals from across the South West of England flocked to the venue to collaborate with and learn from bright minds from all over the UK. This oversubscribed event was hosted by TV’s Dr Phil Hammond, who is a physician, comedian and commentator on health issues. Dr Hammond opened the conference with a lively and inspiring introduction, where he shared, among other topics, his ‘CLANGERS’ philosophy.
Dr Helen Taylor, Clinical Director of Whittington Hospital and Oliver Marlow, Creative Director of TILT Design then talked through using design methodology to improve services. Dr Adrian Plunkett of Birmingham Children’s Hospital engaged the attendees with his work originating from Appreciative Inquiry, giving examples from his Learning from Excellence project (www.learningfromexcellence.com). Richard Wyatt-Haines talked through the Health and Care videos projects and the attendees then had a choice of a wide range of workshops. After lunch Penny Pereira, Deputy Director of Improvement at the Health Foundation spoke about the Q initiative and recruiting in the South West. There was a concurrent poster session, and the winner (George Coxon) was announced by Dr Phil Hammond.
The feedback from the health and care attendees was hugely positive – of all the feedback forms completed, every single respondent, when asked: “How did you find the overall quality of this event”, said: ‘Very good’ or ‘Excellent’.
Caroline Dennis of Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “An amazing day, packed full of innovation. Has inspired me greatly”
Susanne Smith of Plymouth Medical School said: “This has been a truly inspiring day: it covered loads of ground and achieved a great balance between optimism and the art of the possible with a pragmatic sense of the real world in which we operate, thank you!”
Elizabeth Deasy of Exeter Primary Care said: “A day full of interest, innovation and ideas. Excellent speakers and workshop content.”
Dr Rosie Benneyworth, Managing Director of SW AHSN said: “This was a fantastic day and a wonderful opportunity to share best practice from across the region and the UK. The buzz in the venue was great and it was fantastic to see all the exciting developments in the South West. ”
As demands and pressure grow on the NHS, the SW AHSN is continuously looking to find new ways to bring high value innovation and improvement to patient care by working closely with partners and member organisations in the South West. Regular conferences, events and collaborative workshops are held throughout the year across the region.
To view the presentations from the conference click here
To see the video of the conference click here
For more information about our events click here
