National Study Day 2024: Vaguely Weird and Very Wonderful: Exploring the extraordinary and its impact on well-being

Once again accredited by the RCN and CPD, our 2024 National Study Day explored some of the slightly more unusual areas of our specialty.

The day included presentations by the following healthcare professionals.

Professor Laurence Lovat, Consultant Gastroenterologist, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

AI in gastroenterology – where are we and where are we going?

Explored how artificial intelligence is revolutionising diagnostics and treatment in gastroenterology, offering a glimpse into the future of medical technology. Nurses can anticipate AI's role enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining patient care pathways.

Professor Simon Leedham, Wellcome Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Science & Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Precision cancer medicine: hype or hope?

Dived into the latest developments in precision cancer medicine, focusing on immunotherapy and targeted treatments that are shaping the future of oncology. Nurses gained insight into how personalised medicine could improve patient outcomes and the importance of understanding these evolving therapies.

Umar Shariff, Consultant/ Surgeon, UHB Hospitals Trust

Peritoneal malignancy – what it’s all about and all you need to know

Provided an in-depth look at peritoneal malignancy and the life-saving role of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC in treating gastrointestinal cancers. This session equipped nurses with a better understanding of the complexities involved in perioperative care for patients undergoing advanced surgical procedures.

Haney Youssef, Consultant/ Surgeon, UHB Hospitals Trust

Peritoneal malignancy in the UK – Past, Present and Future

Shared insights on the evolution of treatments for peritoneal malignancy, highlighting key advancements and current practices in the UK. Nurses benefited from understanding how historical developments shaped current clinical practices and patient care strategies.

Maddie White, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stoma/ Colorectal, UHB Hospitals Trust

Nursing care for patients undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for peritoneal malignancy

Discussed the crucial role of specialised nursing care for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, emphasising the importance of tailored support. Nurses can apply practical strategies from this talk to enhance patient recovery and manage complex postoperative needs.

Su Dave, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Therapist

I bagged myself a new life

Offered a powerful personal story, providing practical advice and inspiration on living confidently with a stoma. She also highlighted the use of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques, demonstrating how these tools can empower patients to change their mind set and overcome the challenges associated with living with a stoma.

Clemmie Oliver, Nutritionist, Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Clinic Ltd

Supporting the nutritional well-being of a person living with an ileostomy

Provided practical guidance on managing diet and nutrition for individuals living with an ileostomy, helping to maintain overall health. Nurses found actionable tips to better support their patients' nutritional needs, improving overall patient care and quality of life.

Guest Speaker: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

We were absolutely delighted to be joined this year by one of Great Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes of all time.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson amassed a haul of 11 gold, 4 silver and a bronze medal over 5 Paralympic Games.  She became ‘Dame’ (DBE) in 2005 for her services to sport, and was given a lifetime Peerage in 2010, becoming Baroness Grey-Thompson and taking a seat in the House of Lords.

Tanni shared a very open and insightful view into the journey she has been on since being born with Spina Bifida, through to becoming such a hugely successful athlete and more recently stepping into the House of Lords.  This was a truly inspiring presentation on how Tanni, supported by her family, fulfilled her dream of becoming a Paralympic athlete.

The sheer amount of hard work and determination which was required to achieve what Tanni has accomplished was immense, and her fantastic sense of humour clearly helped to see her through the toughest days of training.

Thank you Tanni for sharing such an inspiring presentation with our audience.