The Society of Acute Medicine is delighted to announce that the 1st International Conference for Acute Medicine is to be held at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre, Glasgow, on the 1st and 2nd October 2007, and will be officially opened by Dr Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

The Conference, which is supported by each of the UK Royal College of Physicians (RCP) boasts a challenging programme with an internationally recognised faculty of experts, including:

?          Professor Sir George Alberti, the Department of Health Tsar on emergency care

?          Dr Carol Haraden, Vice President, Institute For Healthcare Improvement, Boston

?          Professor Sir Graham Teasdale, Chair of Quality Improvement Scotland

Other highlights will include a debate hosted by the BBC’s Kirsty Wark, who will challenge an expert panel to consider the future of acute care for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Derek Bell, recently appointed as the first Chair in Acute Medicine in the UK, sees the Conference as pivotal to taking acute medicine to its next phase of evolution. “Acute Medicine has developed rapidly in the UK and there is a growing interest internationally. This first international Conference provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase research that will directly impact on patient care.”

Representing NHS managers Tim Davison, CEO of NHS Lanarkshire, recognises how important it is that acute care is now receiving the same attention and interest as planned care services. “This meeting represents an important opportunity for bringing together clinicians and managers to discuss, debate and develop the way forward for acute medical care.”

The Society of Acute Medicine attracts a true multi-disciplinary membership and the Conference is designed to reflect the varying needs of all those involved in acute care. Dr Mike Jones, President of the Society for Acute Medicine, is delighted to welcome all healthcare professionals and managers to this event. He believes this event marks an important watershed for the development and profile of acute medicine on a national & international basis.  “It will enable acute medicine to develop and integrate worldwide best practice as well as enable delegates to advance common agendas in research, education & clinical care.”

For information on how to register for this conference, please visit www.acutemedicine.org.uk.