28th July 2016

NHS Wales unites with businesses and universities to move healthcare forward in Wales

MediWales recently delivered the first ever all-Wales NHS collaboration conference, MediWales Connects. The clinically-led event hosted delegates from across the fields of life science, health and care to celebrate research progress and patient-centred working in Wales. The theme of collaboration for clinical progress and innovation illuminated throughout the presentations and paved the way for a more connected and dynamic healthcare system in the near future.

The conference was opened with an introduction from MediWales’ CEO, Gwyn Tudor and welcome talk from Consultant Anaesthetist, Professor Judith Hall OBE. The keynote speech, delivered by Andrew Goodall, Director General of Health and Social Services and Chief Executive of NHS Wales, looked ahead to the future of healthcare in Wales.

Talks during the plenary session explored how collaboration could be more firmly integrated into the healthcare system, with senior presentations from Velindre NHS Trust, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Novo Nordisk, ARCH, AstraZeneca and UK Ministry of Defence.

Twice throughout the day, the programme was split into parallel streams for presentations covering the themes of collaboration, clinical innovation and leadership. These sessions included speakers from each of the health boards and trusts in Wales, as well as innovators from industry and academia.

Delegates connected during the refreshment breaks and lunch, with networking time and the chance to discover novel technology and new research projects when exploring the exhibition and feature zone.

Two sets of workshop sessions throughout the day saw our delegation break out into interactive groups. Delegates were invited to share experiences and ideas during discussions around designing for clinical innovation, the evolving role of health and wellbeing, increasing efficiency and controlling infection, next generation technology solutions, big data and predictive analytics.

Workshops also covered funding for research into nutrition for health, funding for clinical innovation partnerships, good clinical practice, open innovation, and an update on the programme to enhance NHS approvals for research in Wales.

The programme came to a close with a wine reception and a final chance for delegates to network and connect. With over 260 delegates and more than 30 exhibitors, the success of the event highlighted the forward-thinking attitudes of healthcare professionals in Wales, and with this momentum, MediWales Connects: NHS Collaboration Conference will become an annual event.

For more information, contact the team at MediWales
Tel: 02920 473 456
Email: connects-nhs@mediwales.com