As you will see from the list of past meetings, these have engaged Secretaries of State and other Ministers, National Clinical Directors, NHS board members and Agency chairs, key speakers from the voluntary and charity sector, as well as eminent clinicians and academics.

Please contact us for further details on both past and future meetings.

In July, Lord Darzi will publish the final instalment of the 'NHS Next Stage Review', which he was commissioned to conduct in July 2007. This review has been positioned as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to evaluate NHS resources and asses to what extent they are clinically led, patient-centred and locally accountable. The review has engaged patients, NHS staff and the public and will be instrumental in guiding government policy and NHS reforms in the coming years. This meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to hear from Lord Darzi about his recommendations for reform and will allow attendees to put their questions directly to him.

NICE AND NHS TOP-UP FEES

The status of the NHS as a tax funded body imposes apparent limitations on its capacity to finance the array medical treatments developed each year. As such, there is increasing controversy and debate surrounding the provision of costly new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

This seminar will allow attendees to engage in a fundamental debate about how the NHS can best manage a finite budget in relation to the increasing number of medical treatments available, whilst still providing the best quality care for patients.

QUESTION TIME: THE HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY BILL

What does the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill really mean? Will it provide us with much needed updated legislation for assisted reproduction, and essential changes to the regulation and licensing of the use of embryos in research and therapy? Or is it a ‘monstrous attack on human rights’? Are we about to create' Frankenstein embryos'? Will there now be 'no need for a father'?

All political parties have a vision for the NHS, but how does this relate to the transformation currently taking place - a transformation that is gradually devolving power away from politicians to autonomous NHS foundation trusts? With an increasing focus on patient choice and quality care, the creation of Foundation Trusts is gathering momentum and remains central to NHS reform. By the end of 2008, the majority of NHS acute and mental health care will be provided by foundation trusts, with the possibility of extending the model to cover ambulance trusts.

This seminar will provide attendees with an insight into the future direction of care provision; a movement towards services which are based less on central direction and more on patient control, choice and local accountability.  This seminar will also provide us with the opportunity to examine what the implications of the London Review will be for national changes in primary care provision.

Sub-Saharan Africa has 11% of the world’s population and 24% of the global burden of disease, but only 3% of the world’s health workers. If Africa is to fulfil its potential, health improvement must become a top priority. Existing healthcare systems currently face numerous complex challenges, as public health services are hampered by inadequate budgets, under-investment, deficient anaesthesia services and a chronic shortage of health care professionals. 

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION: AN UPDATE

The Healthcare Commission has been a pivotal figure in the healthcare landscape; using its position as the authoritative and trusted source of healthcare information to promote and drive improvement in the quality of health services. This briefing will provide an update on the activities of the Healthcare Commission and will be an excellent opportunity to hear from Anna Walker, the Commission’s Chief Executive.

COMMISSIONING IN THE NHS

As part of the NHS reform programme, the Commissioning of services is now set to play a central role in the drive to improve the quality and personalisation of healthcare. With new PCTs in place and with the introduction of new schemes and initiatives to facilitate it, World-Class Commissioning aims to bring better population health, clinical outcomes and give patients real power.  

Recommendations for the future of heart disease and stroke services (December 2006)

Reconfiguring Emergency Care Services (December 2006)

Cooksey Report (December 2006) – A Review of UK Health Research Funding

Long-term Leadership Strategy in medicines launched - Further information

Cooksey Report (December 2006) – A Review of UK Health Research Funding

www.mind.org.uk

www.sane.org.uk

www.mentalhealthalliance.org.uk

Louis Appleby Presentation

Post-meeting briefing
Presentation 1
Presentation 2
Specialised Healthcare Alliance Report