A recap of our regional Independent Health and Social Care Conference

This year’s Northern and Yorkshire & the Humber Independent Health and Social Care (IHSC) conference, co-hosted by both RCN regions, was about more than just the presentations – it was about the collaboration and exchange of ideas that filled the room. Professionals came together with passion and enthusiasm, sharing their experiences, and sparking inspiring discussions. With plenty of smiles, powerful networking moments, and insightful sessions, the conference was a resounding success. The conference came at a truly exciting time for us: we've recently launched our Northern and Yorkshire & the Humber Independent Health and Social Care Network and our inaugural event coming up on 30 October.

So, why was our IHSC conference a memorable occasion? Let us take you through some of the key highlights and takeaways from the day...

The day kicked off with the RCN Regional Director for Northern and Yorkshire & the Humber Sarah Dodsworth opening the conference, with a powerful messages about why delegates should become more active in the RCN. We were delighted that Patricia Hughes, RCN Associate Director of Nursing Practice, also joined us for the day, and gave a brief introduction to her role and the RCN institute. 

We were then joined by Parkinson's UK, who delivered a powerful session on the importance of time-critical medications. Their presentation emphasised how even a few minutes can significantly impact patient outcomes. Using compelling case studies and real-life examples, they demonstrated how swift, accurate medication administration is vital for ensuring the best possible care.

Next, a dynamic group of presenters from Reconnected to Health – a partnership brand between Spectrum Community Health CIC, TEWV, WayThrough and ReThink – captivated the audience with their insights into the power of collaborative working in prison healthcare. They shared stories from their experiences, highlighting how multidisciplinary teams can come together to provide comprehensive trauma informed care for patients in prison. Innovative programmes born from this collaboration showcased how teamwork can lead to better outcomes individualised to patients. Their passion for improving prison healthcare through collaboration left attendees inspired and motivated to foster similar partnerships in their own practices. We were thrilled that our RCN Professional Lead for Justice and Forensics Liz Walsh was also able to join us to to help facilitate the session.

We also heard from one of our RCN Professional Leads for Learning and Development, who gave an engaging presentation on preceptorship. They shared invaluable insights on how organisations can design their own preceptorship programmes, sparking lively discussions around best practices and new approaches. This was followed by a presentation from Stephanie Thornton, RCN Employment Relations Officer, who provided a timely update on the RCN Employment Standards for Independent Health and Social Care Sectors, keeping everyone informed of the latest developments in the RCN and their potential impact on workplaces and professional practices.

After lunch, the Lead Nurse and Head of Workforce Transformation at Newcastle GP Services took the stage. With a wealth of experience and a passion for education in the primary care setting, she captivated the audience. Drawing from her direct work with nursing students, she shared insights into fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Through engaging anecdotes and interactive discussions, she highlighted the importance of adapting teaching approaches to meet the needs of diverse settings, offering practical strategies for attendees to implement in their own practices.

This year's Northern and Yorkshire & the Humber Independent Health and Social Care conference was a vibrant celebration of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and professional growth. The passion and expertise of the presenters, combined with the enthusiasm of participants, created an engaging and motivating atmosphere. It was clear that everyone left feeling inspired, informed, and ready to implement new strategies in their own practices. This conference truly highlighted the power of collaboration and learning in driving positive change within our sector.