Success of our 2009 conference

Above all, the conference demonstrated how often health depends on bringing apparently separate disciplines together.  Dame Carol Black spoke of the importance of  addressing work when treating  her rheumatology patients.  Dr William Bird that our shrinking access to nature is affecting our health.  Dr Karol Sikora spoke for the importance of complementary support in cancer care. 

Boo Armstrong from Get Well UK looked at the very positive results of a study in Northern Ireland in which hundreds of patients in primary care received complementary referrals on the NHS.  A 'Dragon's Den' experience for four complementary health projects revealed what the NHS is looking for in terms of evidence, and how to commission a complementary service on the NHS. 

Attendees praised the 'excellent speakers and inspiring stories' as well as the 'good mix of policy with real life'.

In his speech, HRH The Prince of Wales said 'of course, this dichotomy between the conventional and the complementary, and those questions relating to which is safest and best completely disappear within an integrated approach that respects the best of both. Therefore, I do believe most strongly – and, indeed, have been saying so for some considerable time – that what we now desperately need are some practical, long-term studies on the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of integrated care, which will show us where our health service money can best be spent'.

In the coming days, we'll be streaming some of the conference highlights as well as short films of some of our integrated award winners.  Sign up for our newsletter below to stay in touch, or join our networks to be part of the growing movement for integrated healthcare.