HC2009 – The New, Improved Healthcare Computing Show

At this year’s event, called “Shaping The Future”, HC2009 delegates will have the opportunity to learn from thought-provoking and highly informative presentations and debates on current hot topics including policy and strategy developments, transforming health services, supporting healthy living, telehealth and interactive care and emerging technologies. HC2009 is aimed at all those with an interest in information and information systems in healthcare.
    
For newcomers to the NHS there will be a series of talks explaining how the NHS works, while for researchers there will be support sessions. This year will include a stronger focus on practical experiences in the implementation, evaluation and use of information and technology in different settings.
    
NHS Yorkshire and Humber will be presenting the first of a potential series of regional showcases, with presentations exploring the best of local examples of leading edge technology in action.

NHS Connecting for Health
NHS Connecting for Health will have a strongly featured presence within the new style show. In addition to a stand in the commercial areas, they will have key speakers at the conference and will be staging presentations and demonstrations on the key national programmes. This includes presentations on supporting NHS delivery and improving patient care, mainstreaming informatics, leadership and professionalism.

Excitement
Ian Ryder, BCS director, says: “We are very excited about this year’s BCS-run HC2009, which we know will maintain the showcase’s position as Europe’s leading event for health informatics professionals and all those with an interest in information and healthcare.  
     
“The BCS’ Health Informatics Forum is not only the driving force behind the showcase, but has also built an enviable reputation as an impartial viewpoint on issues of importance to health informatics professionals. It has become part of the HI landscape, a source of valued information to government and other organisations; commenting on consultation documents, taking part in briefings, offering advice and contributing to important debates on how technology can be harnessed to provide the best care in a health environment.”
 
Leadership
Originally formed to cover all aspects of informatics in support of health, the BCS’ Health Informatics Forum provides sector leadership, while acting as a source of professionally recognised expertise. Underpinning the outward-facing role of BCS, it has the dual advantages of ensuring contributors to health informatics are fully recognised and respected.
    
HC has previously been staged as two separate events – a conference and an exhibition. This year’s event, HC2009, again in the popular spa town of Harrogate, focuses firmly on an integrated and interactive showcase for all those with an interest in information in health care, and in health-related IT developments and applications of best practice.
    
There is no doubt that, as the UK’s most important event for networking, HC2009 will deliver hugely added impetus between April 28 and 30 this year.

Enhanced commercial offering
With a new range of value added packages assembled by Commercial Showcase organisers Citadel Events, commercial participants in HC2009 have a range of options to help them make an impact. Included in the costs of stands of up to 25 m2 are:

• one full delegate place, including access to the social programme
• opportunity for ten further delegate places at 50 per cent of published BCS prices
• a 20-minute presentation in the supplier demonstration theatres 
• and each space increment of 25 m2 secures the same bonus package

Citadel’s Stephen Bryant says: “We’re also presenting companies with the opportunity to sponsor delegates in order to encourage attendance of key individuals.”
    
At HC2009 there will be an improved floor layout, with a single entrance for delegate registration and a one-way, circular traffic system via the main conference centre, to conferences and demonstration areas, via the commercial and catering locations.

Keynote speakers
Amongst the confirmed speakers at the 2009 Conference are:

• Christine Connelly, Chief Information Officer for Health. Christine is focusing on developing     and delivering the Department’s overall information strategy and integrating leadership across the NHS and associated bodies, including NHS Connecting for Health and the Information Centre.
• Martin Bellamy, Director of Programme and System Delivery. Martin leads NHS Connecting for Health and focuses on enhancing partnerships with and within the NHS.
• Mike Farrar, Chief Executive, NHS North West Strategic Health Authority. Mike is recognised     for innovative work, including “touchstone tests” related to recent reforms, commissioning for outcomes, world class commissioning and payment by results. His topic will cover Leadership and Professionalism.
• Dame Stephanie (Steve) Shirley. Dame Shirley is a highly successful entrepreneur turned ardent philanthropist. In 1962, she started what became Xansa on her dining room table, with £6 capital and in 25 years as its Chief Executive, she developed it into a leading business technology group. The journey pioneered new work practices and changed the status of professional women along the way. Dame Shirley will be speaking at the conference dinner on 29th April.

Delegate rates held
By registering as paying delegates, visitors will have full access to the three days of the presentations, debates, tutorials, commercial showcase and the social programme.

For more information
Anybody interested in attending HC2009 either as a Delegate or a Commercial Participant will find a wealth of information along with all contact details at www.hcshowcase.org