This year's conference

There are many firsts about this year’s conference, one in particular is that this is my first ever blog!

I was asked to lead the RCGP work on Sustainability/Climate change and health in October 2008. It has been an interesting 18 months. I’m thrilled that the RCGP is leading by example not only in relation to the topic of the 2010 conference in Harrogate but that we are taking the first faltering footsteps to deliver a conference with less environmental impact. The whole sustainable health agenda is fascinating. Not only does it resonate with society’s need to address the challenge of climate change but it feeds into the debate about how we continue to deliver ever higher quality healthcare in straightened economic times.

The conference planning team have been working hard to reflect the importance of the sustainable agenda in relation to important health issues of the day whilst maintaining the excellence and breadth of content that the conference is now famed for.
The environmental footprint of a big national conference is considerable. We are trying really hard to minimise this where we can though. This should be seen as the first step on a journey. The feedback of members and delegates will be really helpful, both with suggestions before the conference and observations/reflections during and afterwards.

I’m already getting excited about this year’s conference, but there again I suppose I’m the excitable type!

Best wishes,

Tim Ballard

Welcome

Welcome to the RCGP Annual Conference blog. As this year's Conference theme is 'sustainability', we thought it would be useful to explain reasons behind some of our decision making in shaping the Conference and keeping it sustainable.

The Conference Management Team meet every month and we'll update this blog accordingly explaining how we are attempting to be sustainable.