Last week ZPB headed to Liverpool on a mission – to launch three reports, lead one very early breakfast session and put on two of the best-attended socials in town.
Wednesday morning ZPB announced it was partnering with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity to look at how health tech SMEs and local and national NHS organisations can work together in more productive and sustainable ways. Our expert panel already includes a number of SMEs as well as OLS, HSCIC, NHSE and three NHS providers. Meanwhile, the AHSN Network was launching its first impact report, which was edited and produced by ZPB. The report presents a snapshot of how academic health science networks are making a difference for patients, clinicians, businesses and for the healthcare system.
Wednesday evening ZPB arranged – for the Cambridge Health Network, Beacon UK and McKinsey & Co – not only the best social at Confed but also the highest – who knew you could see Snowdonia from next to the Mersey? The post-dinner drinks party was held in the spectacular Panoramic 34, on the 34th floor of Liverpool’s West Tower and brought together celebrities from across the health sector for a fun and relaxed evening.
Thursday morning Still on a high from the night before, the ZPB team were back in action supporting our client Healthcare at Home. At her breakout session on ‘NHS and Partner Exchange’, clinical director Ruth Poole announced a market enquiry to investigate the extent home healthcare can contribute to achieving the challenges set out in the Five Year Forward View. The full report will be launched by ZPB in October at the Houses of Parliament.
Thursday evening ZPB hotfooted it from the AHSN Network drinks reception, where Professor Sir Bruce Keogh was to be found perusing the impact report, to host our very own dinner. Across town from the main Confed dinner, a hand-picked set of thirty guests had a lively time. We even got to watch the sun go down between Liverpool’s two cathedrals on Hope Street, reflecting on a successful time at Confed – despite still having one major objective to go.
Friday morning At 8am ZPB director Alex Kafetz introduced ‘What does a paperless NHS mean to patients?’ in his capacity as an independent member of the National Information Board. Despite the hour, Alex got people going with an odd one out competition involving Ceefax, Doris Day, Simon Stevens and Pierce Brosnan as 007* that neatly illustrated the role of technology and transparency in the future of health and healthcare.
Friday afternoon Back to ZPB towers. Mission accomplished.
* Doris Day sang ‘the future’s not ours to see’ whereas all the others have pointed the way to a technology-enabled future…