AHCP 2011 Conference & Exhibition Review

Friday, 01 July 2011 00:00  |  Alec Barton, AHCP PR & Media

The AHCP’S 2011 annual conference and exhibition on 13^th,14^th and 15^th June was a great success. A record number of delegates attended the event, held for the first time in its new location at the Telford International Centre.

Over the 3 days of the event delegates were able to hear more than 20 expert presenters explore some of the most pressing issues in healthcare cleaning today. Highlights included a hard hitting examination of the political landscape as it affects healthcare cleaning, delivered by leading political commentator Hamish MacDonnell, which had delegates really fired up with questions and comments.

Much media interest in the event was sparked by the launch of the new PAS 5748 cleaning specification by AHCP president Dr. Liz Jones. This coincided with the publication of the results of the NHS Future Forum, the panel set up by the government to examine reforms proposed in the new Health and Social Care bill and both resulted in much debate on the floor of the conference.

Other highlights of conference included a powerful presentation from the head of the Patient’s Association Roswyn Hakesley-Brown looking at the patient perspective, and an amazing take on personal challenges from trans-Atlantic rower Debra Searle.

The Patrons’ Panel on Tuesday afternoon was a very popular session with delegates having the opportunity to engage in discussion with four AHCP patrons on the issues raised during conference. Throughout conference the level of discussion and interaction between delegates and speakers was high, something the conference team had been keen to encourage. The interactive workshops provided many opportunities for hands-on involvement and discussion.

There was much agreement amongst delegates that the Telford venue greatly contributed towards the event’s success. Having all the exhibitors located in a single exhibition hall immediately adjacent to the conference meant delegates had time to circulate around all the stands and network with the exhibitors. A record number of companies took part including a good number of first time attendees and there was much of interest to see. The Innovation Award was another feature which proved very popular with delegates, drawing attention to some of the new products and services on display.

The highlight of the final day of conference was the President’s award when the two finalists made their presentations to general acclaim and the eventual winners, Emma Brookes and Trisha Smith, were presented with the award. Members can view both of the finalists’ presentations in on the AHCP web site. The AHCP Gala Awards dinner wrapped up day two in style with an excellent show and many well deserved award winners.

It only remains to thank the conference organising committee, Lesley Davis, Judith Hudson, Donna Jones Mary-Anne Kane, Rachel Scott and of course Denise Foster for all their hard work. Thanks are also due to all the staff at H2O for handling the logistics so professionally.