Important Public Health Meeting Diary Dates:

Pandemic Influenza International Scientific Conference

Health Protection Agency (HPA)

Monday-Tuesday, 21-22 June, London

This two day international conference, convened by the Health Protection Agency, will bring together scientists, academics and clinicians to consider lessons learned since the appearance of pandemicAn outbreak of infection that affects numerous people in different countries. H1N1 in April 2009. Principal themes of the conference will be: virology and sero-epidemiology; epidemiology and modelling; epidemiology and surveillance; vaccinationThe means of producing immunity by stimulating the formation of antibodies.; antivirals; and lessons learnt. Clinical, public health and other scientific research findings will be presented and the Health Protection Agency will showcase certain aspects of its work to stakeholders, government agencies and other partners. Abstracts of proposed poster presentations are invited.

Key objectives are to provide a forum for exchange of information on:

• the virology of the pandemic virusA microbe that is only able to multiply within living cells.
• the epidemiology and clinical presentation of pandemic influenzaA viral infection affecting the respiratory system. infectionInvasion by organisms that may be harmful, for example bacteria or parasites.
• issues related to real-time modelling and impact of guidance and policies
• effectiveness and issues relating to clinical counter-measures.

Health Protection 2010

Health Protection Agency

14-15 September 2010, Warwick University

The HPA's annual conference and exhibition this year includes five parallel symposia on each of two days, as follows:

Tuesday 14 September

Epidemiology

Hepatitis and other bloodborne virusesMicrobes that are only able to multiply within living cells.

Foodborne infections

Emerging threats and CBRN emergencies.

Swine flu and vaccines.

Wednesday 15 September

Tuberculosis

Healthcare associated infections/AMR

Environmental hazards to health

Emergency response

New technologies/sequencing

Practical issues in clinical mycologyThe study of fungi.

UK Clinical Mycology Network (UKCMN)

Monday, 7 June, Royal College of Pathologists, London

A one-day, practically-orientated meeting for staff at centres that provide clinical mycology services covering: direct microscopy and diagnostic problems in routine laboratory work; the histopathology of fungal infections; radiology; anti-fungals; fungal serologyAnalysis of blood serum.; and molecular identification. There will be discussion of issues encountered by delegates during their routine diagnostic work or in the management of patients with fungal infections.

UKCMN aims to provide a structure for the UK-wide coordination of mycology service delivery, mycological surveillance, medical and laboratory training, diagnostic development and translational research.

Reducing HCAIs - 2010: a health economy approach to quality care

GovToday

Wednesday, 16 June 2010, London.

This national conference is the fourth in a series of events concerned with reducing healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). The context is the recent Public Accounts Committee Report that recommended a health economy-wide approach to infection control and that all healthcare providers should adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to HCAI control. The event will include contributions from both national and international experts, interactive master classes and an exhibition and networking area providing a forum for sharing innovation, expertise and best practice across the sector.

• Dr Christine McCartney, executive director of the HPA Regional Microbiology Network, opened the previous event in the series, “Reducing HCAIs - quality, innovation and care” held in London in February, that was attended by more than 450 delegates. The keynote address was given by Professor Didier Pittet, WHO representative and director of the Infection Control Programme at the University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine Geneva, Switzerland.

Practical Aspects of Infection Control

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals / Hallam University with the Hospital Infection Society

Monday-Tuesday, 21-22 June, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield

The 13th Don't Panic! meeting is intended for microbiologists and infection control nurses, public health staff and biomedical scientists. Lectures will cover: PVL – diversity, demographics and disease burden in the UK; Flu season 2009/10 – how well did we do? Specifications for invasive procedures performed away from operating theatres; Post-discharge surveillance of SSI – making it work; Update on C.difficile surveillance; Treating complex C. difficile infection; Occupational health issues (chronicA disease of long duration generally involving slow changes. MRSA carriage, managing dermatitis, skincare choices for hand washes and alcohol rubs); The Showcase Hospitals Programme; Practical aspects of ensuring a safe water supply; Universal screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to for controlling MRSA – the Scottish experience; and MRSA screening and decolonization in the community: is the community up to it?