The Operating Theatre Journal May 2022

New technologies can also help us to offer more dignified and
independent care to people, in their own homes, keeping them out
of hospital if they don’t need to be there. With an increasingly ageing
population – where nearly one in 7 people is projected to be aged over
75 by 2040 – and more and more comorbidities, technology can do so
much to help people to live independent lives and minimise the time
they spend in clinical settings. The remote monitoring that played such
a starring role during the pandemic gave us a glimpse into what could
be done. They monitored huge numbers of people in their own living
rooms, rather than being limited by the capacity of a hospital ward.
We have seen the brilliant use of virtual wards throughout this
pandemic. Norfolk and Norwich NHS Foundation Trust set up their
virtual ward a year ago this month. It’s already freed up over 6,000 bed
days for inpatients – and the initiative has patient satisfaction levels of
99%. I want us to intensify the pace of the rollout of virtual wards so
we can make sure that these services are available across the whole
country, and we’ve made up to £450 million available over the next 2
years to support this.
Dr John Sandham, the EBME conference chairman,
discusses what to expect:
Putting together a programme that meets the needs of a wide range of
attending delegates is always challenging. Due to the growing success
of the event in 2021, the EBME Expo will moving to its new larger venue,
The Coventry Building Society Arena, with a 2-day programme covering
a wide range of technical and management innovations.
On day 1, we have more of a technology focus in the EBME Conference
area, discussing ‘Innovations in clinical technology data management,
so important in todays ‘connected’ environments. Imaging plays
such an important part in diagnosis, so we will find out more about
‘Technological Innovations in Diagnostic Ultrasound & Dedicated MRI,
and their Impact on Clinical Care & Service Improvement’.
There are many other interesting speakers discussing other topics
including:
• A Governance Assurance Toolkit
• A collaborative approach in working towards a net zero NHS
• Patient Monitoring - Early Warning Scoring System (MEWS and NEWS2
systems)
• The Role of Medical Technology in Homecare
On day 2, we have a management focus in the EBME Conference area.
Many NHS Trusts are already committing to using modern technology to
redesign services and create a modern NHS, where outpatient visits are
reduced by a third. Part of this redesign includes ‘Digital technologies
and interoperability: enabling the future of Integrated Care Systems
(ICS)’. We can expect Roy Smith & David Attwell to give us an interesting
perspective on ‘Clinical Engineering in an ICS, including the Pros and
Cons’. It is never easy!
Integrated care systems (ICSs) offer the opportunity to integrate health
and care services across multiple settings including general practice,
mental health and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
services, primary care, secondary care, community care and social
care. Integrated care benefits both patients and staff; using digital
systems that enable patient information to be shared and accessed
seamlessly across the health and care system will be essential to enable
successful integration. (2)
Other speaker topics being discussed on day 2 include:
• The Role of the CE in the Standardisation and Adoption of Image
Management Solution for Non-Native DICOM Image Sources
• Quality Management Systems for Clinical Engineering
• Fostering a Just, honest, open and learning culture
• Delivering sustainable efficiencies in healthcare
It is FREE to register online, please visit: https://www.ebme.co.uk/
registration-options
Each qualifying delegate that attends the conference will receive an
attendance certificate for their continuing professional development
(CPD) records. Delegates attending the conference will also be
eligible for a prize draw at the end of each day. There are some great
prizes for the lucky delegates that are drawn out.
For further information on the exhibition and conference please visit:
www.ebme.co.uk/seminar or www.ebme-expo.com/
From my own ongoing research, it is clear that many hospitals have
had to adopt a ‘make do and mend’ attitude, prioritising only the most
urgent purchases. This is not a plan, and does not meet the aspirations
of the Secretary of State for Health, or the NHS Executive. NHS Trusts
must align their technology replacement plans with their long-term
operational strategies. Therefore, not investing in technology will
hinder plans to improve care, and ultimately result in higher long-term
costs.
New Larger Venue - The Coventry Building Society Arena
The EBME Expo team are pleased
to announce that we are moving
to a new, larger venue for the
EBME Expo on Tuesday 28th and
Wednesday 29th June 2022.
Situated in the heart of the UK, the
Coventry Building Society Arena
is a world-class exhibition, event
and conference centre based near
the vibrant city of Coventry, just a
20-minute drive from Birmingham
and within easy access of the motorways. This indoor venue allows
plenty of room for both delegates and exhibitors, is within a two-hour
drive of 75% of the population, and has over 2000 parking spaces. Not
only does the Arena also have its own on-site railway station, but with
three train stations within 8 miles, Birmingham International Airport
only a 20-minute drive away, and London Euston a 55-minute train ride
away, the Arena is an ideal destination.
This location is home to the Wasps Rugby Club.
Two seated conference areas
The seated conference areas are set within the exhibition area to
allow easy access to the exhibition stands. Refreshments and lunch are
provided to qualifying conference delegates.
Continuing Professional Development
Each attending conference delegate will receive a certificate for their
continuing professional development (CPD) record. This educational
seminar meets CPD requirements for the NHS knowledge and skills
framework (KSF). Core dimensions: 1 (Communication), 2 (Personal
Development), 4 (Service Improvement), and 5 (Quality).
We have been working with our event partner ‘BtoB events’ to further
improve the experience at this new, larger location. Once again,
attendance is free for all attendees, our specialist registration company
will be on site, and refreshments will be available to purchase for those
who do not have them included.
More information about the 2022 EBME Expo can be found at:
https://www.ebme.co.uk/seminar
References
1. www.gov.uk.digital-transformation-summit-speech. https://www.gov.
uk/government/speeches/health-and-social-care-secretary-sajid-javidhsj-digital-transformation-summit-speech.
[Online] February 2022.
2. Kings Fund. interoperability-digital-enabling-integrated-care. https://
www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/interoperability-digital-enablingintegrated-care#introduction.
[Online] 2021.
28th–29th June 2022 | Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry
Find out more 02921 680068 • e-mail admin@lawrand.com Issue 380 May 2022 7