Belmatt Healthcare Training August Newsletter

Summer Greetings and Healthcare Updates 

Dear Colleagues, 

We hope you are enjoying the summer holidays and taking time to relax and recharge. August is not only a time for vacations but also an excellent opportunity to reflect on recent developments in healthcare and general practice. 

Current Developments in Healthcare 

Recent Guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released updated guidelines on infection prevention and control, especially relevant given the ongoing global health challenges. These guidelines consolidate technical guidance developed during the COVID-19 pandemic into a comprehensive resource. The updated recommendations emphasize standard and transmission-based precautions in healthcare settings, as well as public health practices for community settings. This approach aims to integrate infection prevention and control (IPC) activities into routine systems and practices, enhancing overall healthcare resilience and safety​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​. 

Current Epidemics and Pandemics 

Globally, we are still navigating the challenges posed by various infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many regions, with new variants emerging and influencing healthcare protocols. According to recent statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations remains significant, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptation of healthcare practices. 

Additionally, the increase in monkeypox cases has prompted WHO to issue updated guidelines and alerts to manage outbreaks effectively. The WHO’s latest guidance on monkeypox emphasizes the importance of surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing to detect new outbreaks and stop transmission. These efforts are critical for protecting people at risk and making progress towards the elimination of human-to-human transmission of monkeypox​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​​ (GOV.UK)​. 

Embracing Digital Technology and AI in Healthcare 

The role of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is expanding rapidly. AI is revolutionizing diagnostics, patient management, and treatment planning. For example, AI algorithms are now being used to analyse medical images with high accuracy, aiding in the early detection of diseases such as cancer. Digital health tools, including telemedicine platforms, are making healthcare more accessible and efficient. 

We are excited to announce that these topics will be discussed in-depth at our upcoming conference on November 9, 2024, in Manchester. This event will feature expert speakers who will explore the latest advancements in digital health and AI, providing insights into how these technologies are transforming healthcare delivery. 

Upcoming Conference: Save the Date! 

Event: Innovations and Challenges in Primary Care: Navigating the Future of General Practice
Date: November 9, 2024 
Location: Bolton

Mark your calendars for this important event where we will delve into the future of healthcare, focusing on digital technology and AI. It will be an excellent opportunity to network with peers, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge developments. 

Advanced Practice GPN Course 

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Advanced Practice General Practice Nurse (GPN) course, starting on 1 September 2024. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip GPNs with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in primary care settings. The course covers critical areas such as clinical practice, leadership, education, and research, aligning with the four pillars of advanced practice. Participants will engage in interactive learning sessions, case studies, and hands-on workshops, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of advanced practice roles. 

Medically Unexplained Symptoms Conference 

Belmatt Healthcare Training recently provided some sponsorship an excellent conference on Medically Unexplained Symptoms, organised by the Forgotten Patients Charity. The event was a great success, exploring the complexities and management strategies for medically unexplained symptoms. Our course director, Jeshni Almer, had the honour of chairing this event, bringing her expertise and facilitating insightful discussions among healthcare professionals. 

Staying Informed 

In light of these ongoing changes and advancements, we encourage all our members to stay informed and continue their professional development. Engaging with the latest research, guidelines, and technological innovations is essential for providing high-quality patient care. 

We look forward to seeing you at our conference and hope you enjoy the rest of the summer! 

Warm regards, 

The Belmatt Healthcare Training Team 

For more information on the WHO guidelines and recent updates, visit the World Health Organization website. 

For details on our Advanced Practice GPN course and to register, visit our https://www.belmatt.co.uk/courses/advanced-clinical-practice-course-general-practice-acpgp2024/ 

For registration details and the conference agenda, please visit our event page.