Finding solutions to support the NHS will be the focus of the latest in a series of global summits, taking place in Newcastle next month.
The World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) – which has already visited Greece, Thailand and the Philippines – brings together clinicians, patients, health managers and representatives from the voluntary sector, education and business community with the aim of coming up with fresh ideas to help existing services.
One of the organisers, Dr Neela Shabde, a member of WHIS and a former NHS Clinical Director in Cumbria, said: “In the current climate of major pressures on our NHS, we must find new and innovative ways of supporting and preserving local health and care services.
“Having worked in the NHS for over 35 years, I am passionate about our local NHS but also what communities can do to better look after health and wellbeing. I am delighted to be part of WHIS – I see this as a major force and movement to make a difference to the health and well-being of our communities now and in the future.”
Speakers at the Summit – which is being held at the Gosforth Civic Theatre on 17 and 18 May – include Jim Mackey, the chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Rosarii Mannion, the national Human Resources director for Ireland’s Health Service Executive.
WHIS, based in Cumbria, is a not-for-profit social enterprise which has developed networks across the globe. Its chief executive is Gareth Presch, a former chief officer of the National Haemophilia Council in Ireland. He also managed the country’s national blood transfusion and endoscopy improvement programmes.
“The World Health Innovation Summit is not just a conference or a meeting. It is about communities coming together to work together to improve health care for all, to network on a continuous basis,” he said. “By supporting our communities, sharing knowledge, inspiring and innovating we as individuals and as a community benefit.”
Simon Taylor, one of the event’s organisers, said: “Everybody has a stake in the future of health care and therefore everybody’s opinion is valid. As well as the health professionals we want to hear from residents, businesses, voluntary and community workers, charities, academics and students.”
Tickets are available through www.eventora.com/en/Events/whis-newcastle-health-all
There are more details about the summit at www.facebook.com/whisnewcastle and you can follow the build up to the event via @WHIS_Newcastle #WHISNE18