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
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Hello Tim,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you were looking at any options for virtual participation in the conference? Keynote speeches could be streamed for example.
Thanks
Anne Marie
Hello
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about streaming some of the sessions? Allowing participants to attend virtually would be one of the best ways tackle sustainability.
AM
Sustainability in medical training should definitely be something to look at - deaneries now send trainees to hospitals all over a wide area, making it difficult for trainees to avoid commuting. This is especially problematic in secondary care training, but also happens in primary care.
ReplyDeleteVery much looking forward to this Tim. As a non-GP, although I will be speaking at the event, I will be very keen to learn what others are minded and able to do - especially the barriers that we are all experiencing when trying to turn our rhetoric and good intentions into action. Our watch, our legacy....
ReplyDeleteThe Conference Management Group discussed the possibility of streaming sessions and plenary speeches. To encourage active participation at the Conference, we have decided not to stream any sessions live. However, as per last year's Conference, some sessions and addresses will be filmed and uploaded to either the Conference website Healthcare Republic's dedicated Conference web page after the event for those who cannot attend.
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