Programme

Pre-conference briefing registration and refreshments

Pre-conference briefing: Getting to grips with the NHS

The NHS is a complicated beast, and understanding the ways in which its constantly evolving systems interact can be baffling, even to a seasoned NHS employee. So, whether you are new to the NHS or could just use a refresher course, this session is a one-stop-shop to securing your understanding of the basics. Cut through the jargon and gain an easy to digest summary of the structure of the NHS and its key agendas.

Question and answer session

Examining the latest developments in the NHS: An essential update

Following on from Darzi’s review, real efforts have been made across all organisations to deliver high quality care for all. And now with QIPP (Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention) becoming the new mantra of the NHS, there will no doubt be a new raft of goals and targets to be met.

This, coupled with the Care Quality Commission now up and running, World Class Commissioning entering its second year, PCTs firmly on the path to divestment and many more Trusts making positive strides towards FT status, the NHS has certainly been inundated with change over the past year. Gain an understanding of the new responsibilities that come with these changes and how they impact on your role.

Reflection and question development:

Working with your fellow PAs and EAs, compile a list of key questions that have arisen for you out of the previous session.

Increased demand and economic crisis: What does it mean for the future of the NHS?

The financial future of the NHS is uncertain beyond 2011. Budgetary shortfalls are predicted to rock the health service. With the real impact of the financial crisis already notable on private healthcare providers and FTs, no healthcare organisation can afford to not prepare for the more challenging times ahead.

Examine what these likely challenges will mean for you and your director - from the external pressures brought about through increased demand on services to the internal changes that will be demanded in the name of economising.

Reflection and question development:

Working with your fellow PAs and EAs, compile a list of key questions that have arisen for you out of the previous session.

Morning refreshments

Developing the business acumen essential for a modern NHS environment

For a number of years now efforts have been made within the NHS to master a commercial mindset and develop robust services, savvy enough to thrive in a competitive environment. To be truly effective, this mindset must be ingrained in all members of the organisation.

Explore what more you can be doing now to play your part in improving efficiency, maximising use of resources and controlling costs. Take back ideas to your organisation you can implement straight away to kick-start the cost saving!

Reflection and question development:

Working with your fellow PAs and EAs, compile a list of key questions that have arisen for you out of the previous session.

Lunch

Interactive question and answer session:

Put your top questions from the morning to our panel of speakers. Take this opportunity to ensure you have a clear vision of how the changing landscape of the NHS will shape your role.

Interactive delegate discussion: Overcoming challenges to time management

The phrase ‘time management’ can be very misleading when applied to the healthcare PA and EA context – so often the problem is that there is no time to manage, rather than poor time management skills on the part of the individual.

In a perfect world, you would know exactly what was to be required of you and would be able to carefully plan your day to ensure that each task was completed in a timely fashion. But in reality this is practically impossible. This session is a chance for you to discuss with your fellow PAs and EAs the common challenges you face to managing your time and share top tips for overcoming these challenges.

Being an effective communicator and mastering relationship management

The essence of all PA and EA roles is that of a consummate communicator and manager of relationships. And while these things are such vital elements of the role, they can also prove to be the most challenging. Critically examine the attributes which make an effective communicator and relationship manager just so.

Design an action plan to help identify the barriers to effective communication, release your potential and assist you in developing these traits within yourself. Identify the barriers to effective communication and discuss the common challenges you face in managing a multitude of diverse relationships.

Question and answer session

Afternoon refreshments

Taking ownership of your career: Setting and achieving realistic career goals

In order to set career goals it is essential that you have a firm understanding of the career context for healthcare PAs and EAs and how you can realistically grow your career.

Identify tangible ways to achieve your career goals and gain answers to your most pressing career questions: Just what are the options for career development? Promotion? Training? Job enrichment?

Interactive session:

Discuss your career goals with your fellow PAs and EAs. Then develop your own career goal map of objective targets and how you can achieve them to reinvigorate your career development.

Close of conference