Conference Programme | National Back Exchange

Conference Programme

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Introducing our Keynote Speakers

Dr Tharaka Gunarathne
Psychiatrist, TV Doctor, TEDX Speaker and Expert on - Motivation, Mental Health, Memory Power, Cognitive Biases, Dynamics and Culture

Dr T (Dr Tharaka Gunarathne), based in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a three-times TEDx Speaker, Podcaster and TV Psychiatrist - appearing as resident Mind Expert on celebrity shows including ITV’s “Big Brother”, BBC’s Morning Live, Channel 4’s “Can I Improve My Memory”, and the world-first hit show, “Scared of the Dark”.

Having become a Medical Doctor around 20 years ago, and specialising as a Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr T now takes his insights on ‘Mindset and High Performance’ to audiences across the world, raising the roof at events with barrels of energy, joy and practical tools for transformation!

Isaac Harvey MBE
Disability Advocate, Content Creator, President at Wheels and Wheelchairs

Isaac was born and raised in East London, with a disability called limb/pelvic hypo/aplasia, which means no arms and short legs. His condition, however, has never been a barrier to his ambitions. From skiing and skydiving to tall ship sailing, he's embraced every adventure with enthusiasm. For over a decade, he's used his feet to operate computers, edit videos, manage emails and connect with the world.

Isaac's journey has been marked by significant milestones and recognition. Recently, he was honoured with an MBE, awarded by King Charles himself, for his services and advocacy to those within the disability community. He has also modelled an official London Fashion Week catwalk which led him to being featured in Vogue magazine, sharing the importance of adaptive clothing. He's also built a following of over 40,000 people on LinkedIn, sharing his experiences and insights with a global audience.

His role as an ambassador for several charities and as the president of Wheels and Wheelchairs - an organisation where roller skaters push wheelchair users - reflects his commitment to community and inclusivity.

Isaac's goal is not to change the world, but to make a difference in individual lives. By sharing both the highs and lows of his journey, he wants to give a realistic perspective on disability and how it can still be a very fulfilling life.

Plenary Sessions:

P1: Unlocking your Genius!

Dr Tharaka Gunarathne, Psychiatrist, TV Doctor, TEDX Speaker and Expert on - Motivation, Mental Health, Memory Power, Cognitive Biases, Dynamics and Culture

P2: Mobilisation Matters: Are we failing our patients with inadequate seating?

Join Kirsty O’Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters, and James Smith, Moving and Handling Practitioner from East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, as they explore the importance of proper seating and the four principles of effective seating for enhancing patient outcomes. This session will assess the impact of inadequate seating solutions on patient health and present recent audit results from East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, demonstrating improved patient outcomes with appropriate seating.

Kirsty O’Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matter, and James Smith, Moving and Handling Practitioner, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust. Dr Tharaka

P3: The New Hospital Programme meets The National Back Exchange conference 2024

The aim of the presentation will be an introduction to the New Hospital Programme, the benefits and how we can work together in the future. The New Hospital Programme (NHP) was confirmed in October 2020 to fulfil the Government’s manifesto commitment to building 48 new hospitals. The NHP is in the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio and will be the vehicle used to deliver the much-needed changes to England’s hospital infrastructure, representing the largest programme to build new hospitals in a generation.

Working with NHS Trusts, government and industry, our centralised programme’s mission is to:

•   Help NHS Trusts to provide high-quality and sustainable care for patients.
•   Deliver intelligent hospitals.
•   Develop national capability.
•   Build better, build faster and build a sustainable legacy.

This will require investment in the right buildings and facilities across the board, where staff can utilise technology and data to deliver better, integrated care and empower people to manage their own health.
It is a dramatic shift from traditional ways of hospital building and will transform the way they are designed, procured, and built. We will capture opportunities to share best practice and lessons learned to maximise effectiveness and efficiency, rather than treat each project as a standalone scheme.

The New Hospital Programme consists of various workstreams that will support the building of new hospitals, comprising of an overarching Transformation Directorate, including subgroups such as Clinical, Workforce, Healthcare Innovation, Engagement and Integration, among others.

Senior Representative from NHS England

Confirmed Workshops

C01: Seated for success: How to Assess for the Correct Chair
In this practical workshop, Kirsty O'Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters will guide you through the assessment process, walking you through step-by-step approach to evaluation and selecting the ideal therapeutic seating solution. Learn how comprehensive assessment can lead to better patient outcomes, ensuring optimal comfort, support, and safety. With practical advice and real-world examples, discover how to tailor seating choices to individual needs and align them with evidence-based best practices for superior patient care.
Kirsty O’Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters

C02: Are you prescribing and providing Plus Size Care: Lots of practical scenarios across the system
This practical session will explore different techniques to apply different sling types for the Plus Size individual. The group will be divided up and will all have an opportunity to carry out the assigned tasks.
Deborah Harrison, Managing Director, A1 Risk Solutions; Lisa Norris, Occupational Therapist and Senior Moving and Handling Trainer; Kirsten Callander, Occupational Therapist and Senior Moving and Handling Trainer

C03: Risks of using Patient's own sling in acute hospital setting
To look at the risks associated with Patient's bringing in their own slings. Explore the implications of not using a patient's own slings with rehabilitation and discharge consequences. Community to have a better understanding of why Trusts find using Patient's own sling a challenge. Looking at LOLER responsibilities for the Trust and whether these can be met enough to keep everyone safe. explore different slings out in the community and how we can make sure staff know how to apply them (do trainers how to)
Tracey Martin, Moving and handling Advisor, MTW NHS Trust

C04: Help me where do I start'
The moving with dignity team identified how do people know what to learn and plan their learning if they don’t know the subject matter. Norfolk has developed a preceptorship program for newly qualified clinicians. Working with the Moving with Dignity Team and following the Pillars of Practice model we have developed 5 moving with dignity modules.
Melanie Furness, Moving with Dignity Team Manager, Norfolk County Council

C05: Introducing the Movementor App for complex moving and handling situations. SPONSORED BY MOVEMENTOR
Introducing the Movementor App, a unique person centred moving and handling assessment tool for complex and challenging situations. This workshop will outline the assessment tool and it’s unique features. The app has been designed to support the assessor through the complex matrix of considerations, acknowledging differing voices and exploring holistic and person-centred approaches, embracing the FREDA principles.
Anne Lofthouse, Moving and Handling Adviser/ Occupational Therapist, Movementor-app & Dr Simon Snowden

C06: The Falling Person, lets discuss!
There are always questions about what to do when a person is falling. Do we catch, do we guide, do we allow them to descend, do we redirect or do nothing at all? Over the years the guidance has varied within the HOP books and other publications.
Lois Lees, Owner, Moving and Handling Training and Consultancy; Yvonne Beswick, Moving and Handling Advisor, Oldham Council

C07: Acute Spinal Injuries
The aim of this session is to improve patient care and safety by updating knowledge and skills in relation to safe moving and handling of spinal injured patient. The key learning outcomes are - to have an awareness of spinal anatomy and physiology, develop an awareness of the types and mechanisms of spinal injury and to know how to safely log roll a spinal injured patient.
Valerie Phillips - Moving and Handling Ergonomics Service Lead, Barts Health NHS Trust. Jandira - Registered Nurse and Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

C08: Lateral Tilt: a promising approach in the battle against MSDs in acute and long-term care - SPONSORED BY LINET
In an era where the well-being of our staff is paramount to how our services operate, the manual handling of patients has seen remarkable advancements: not just in the UK, but globally. The NHS like other healthcare facilities faces a pressing challenge: balancing innovative patient care with the health and safety of its staff. Despite the introduction of smart equipment designed to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with patient handling, high levels of staff turnover and absenteeism due to sickness persist. How can we better protect our dedicated caregivers while ensuring optimal patient outcomes?
Susana Esteves, Global Clinical Specialist LINET Group SE

C09: DSE's Have we changed with the times?
Looking at how we assess DSE's look at the Anthropometric measurements, are they adequate? Do we need to think about individuals who will have protected characteristics? What measurements are we taking, are they suitable for remote working?
Sarah Wells, Moving and Handling Facilitator, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust

C10: "Lifting on Air" Part 1- A case study on the application of air-assisted devices for handling plus-sized patients - SPONSORED BY FIVE MOBILITY & WINNCARE
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on the safe handling of plus sized patients using air-assisted devices. Led by Stephen Black, with support from Lou Bradley, Plus Sized Model and Patient Advocate, this session will explore the challenges of bariatric care and demonstrate the benefits of equipment like the Mangar Rhino Lifting Cushion, Mangar Swift Transfer Slide in conjunction with the VersaTech 1100 Bariatric Ultra Low Bed. Participants will engage in hands on activities, learning practical skills to enhance patient safety, reduce caregiver injury, and improve overall efficiency in healthcare settings.
Stephen Black, Account Manager, Clinical Advisor Five Mobility; James Cashin, National Sales Director Winncare

C11:Taking the risk out of risk assessments: Part two: Risk and data driven interventions for organisational change
This presentation introduces a framework for using risk assessments to drive organisational change, focusing on weighted assessments, interventions, staff education, and systematic implementation. Evaluation through sensitivity analysis is crucial. Grounded in evidence-based practice, legal research, and contemporary literature, this peer-reviewed methodology offers unique insights into effective risk management.
Louis Watson, Legal and Risk Management Consultant, Health and safety risk management and legal solutions

C12: Pressure Ulcers...not my problem! - SPONSORED BY ARJO
This engaging session is a pause for thought for your approach to safe patient handling and pressure ulcer prevention and care. Delve into the crucial aspects of early detection and dynamic risk assessment, empowering you to identify potential issues before they escalate. Learn how to leverage these insights to improve outcomes for your patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being remain at the forefront of your care.
Clair Sharpe, Clinical Manager - Mobility Outcomes, Arjo. Claire Hink, Clinical Consulting lead- Patient Handling - Arjo

C13: Person-centred, balanced manual handling risk assessment: a challenge..
Legislation and guidance require us to undertake manual handling risk assessments that are person-centred and balanced. But do we know what that actually means and are we confident that our approach, our process, our documentation and our recommendations fit with this requirement? This session will look briefly at the relevant law and guidance that underpins this approach and will include information from legal cases.
Elizabeth Hallows, Chartered Physiotherapist and Moving and Handling Advisor. Julia MaClean - Independent Occupational Therapist and Moving and Handling Advisor.

C15: "Lifting on Air" Part 2- A case study on the application of air-assisted devices for handling plus-sized patients - SPONSORED BY FIVE MOBILITY & WINNCARE
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on the safe handling of plus sized patients using air-assisted devices. Led by Stephen Black, with support from Lou Bradley, Plus Sized Model and Patient Advocate, this session will explore the challenges of bariatric care and demonstrate the benefits of equipment like the Mangar Rhino Lifting Cushion, Mangar Swift Transfer Slide in conjunction with the VersaTech 1100 Bariatric Ultra Low Bed. Participants will engage in hands on activities, learning practical skills to enhance patient safety, reduce caregiver injury, and improve overall efficiency in healthcare settings.
Stephen Black, Account Manager, Clinical Advisor Five Mobility; James Cashin, National Sales Director Winncare

C21:Why are we still hoisting off the floor?
Following a serious falls incident and the potential worsening of an injury due to a patient being hoisted off the floor into bed the patient safety team questioned why are we still hoisting off off the floor? The incident led to a review of managing all patients who fall to the floor and the the subsequent introduction of flat lifting equipment.
Mark Deardon, Moving and Handling Advisor, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Jaclyn Murphy- National Sales Manager GBUK

C22: Improving Patient Wellbeing: How to Empower Bariatric Patients in Acute and Community Care Environments - SPONSORED BY CORECARE
CoreCare Global, featuring healthcare companies Innova Care Concepts and Vivid.Care, are proud to present an engaging and interactive workshop that delves into the transformative journey of bariatric patients, exploring how innovative equipment solutions can empower them in both acute and community care settings
Anita Rush, Clinical Nursing and Plus-Size Management Specialist, Freelance / CoreCare. Tracey Carr - Bariatric Consultant.

C23: Manoeuvring the deceased plus size patient for repatriation to funeral director
This session focuses on maneuvering deceased plus-size patients for repatriation to funeral directors, highlighting problem-solving for unsuitable equipment. It presents a successful option used by a neighboring health board, identifies issues and possible solutions, evaluates appropriate equipment, and tests different methods to determine the best practices for future use.
Gemma Vaughan, Manual Handling Manager, Hywel Dda University Health Board. Sian Mills

C24: Seating Plus Size Patients; Not Just A Bigger Chair.
Kirsty O'Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters, will explore the key factors clinicians must consider when seating plus-sized patients. She will focus on enhancing comfort, mobility, and overall care. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to improve outcomes for plus-sized patients in their care.
Kirsty O'Connor, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Training Manager at Seating Matters.

C26: The complexities and practicalities of using toileting slings
The presenters will discuss postural tone and the effects of the motility of the gut and the effects on toileting regimes for clients with complex needs. The session will explore different types of toileting sling, with regard to the ease of fitting, ability to remove and refit clothing, and the support offered to the client.
Julia Love, Moving and Handling Practitioner, LPS Training Consultancy. Penny Townsend - Moving and Handling Advisor

C27:Are you prescribing and providing Single-Handed Care: Lots of practical scenarios across the system.
This practical session will explore different techniques to move an individual up the bed. Using the BORG Scale 6-20 will evaluate the ease of each task and decide what technique will be suitable for different service users/patients.Deborah Harrison, Managing Director, A1 Risk Solutions; Lisa Norris, Occupational Therapist and Senior Moving and Handling Trainer; Kirsten Callander, Occupational Therapist and Senior Moving and Handling Trainer

C28:Mobilisation Matters - the power of sit-to-stand devices SPONSORED BY ETAC
Janes session will look at the consequences of immobility and the importance of keeping residents’ abilities going; eg. Using sit-to-stand aids to keep muscle strength, so the user is able to stand up when getting dressed. This reduces the strain on the carer and increases the dignity for the resident.
Jane Vorting, Clinical Education Manager, Etac

C29: Non-consensual care.....A kinder alternative to physical restraint - SPONSORED BY POBWORKS
This workshop aims to address the sensitive issue of non-consensual care in nursing homes, particularly focusing on residents with dementia. At the heart of this session is the demonstration and exploration of the pobroll®, a new innovation designed specifically to address the challenges of delivering essential care to individuals who are unable to give consent
Pat O'Brien, Physiotherapist, POBWORKS

C31:The effect of simulated student-to-student Moving and Handling practise on 1st year pre-registration nusring students' perceived capability
A small-scale study was undertaken following nursing students feedback of feelings of anxiety and being unprepared for entering the clinical environment and interacting with patients, clients and service users.
The project aim was to provide insight into the effect of simulated student-to-student Moving and Handling practice on 1st-year pre-registration nursing students’ perceived capability.
Qualitative and quantitative data was collected through the completion of a questionnaire tool before and following simulated practice learning episodes.
Findings conclude that peer-to-peer learning within simulated practice learning episodes enhance and develop students’ perceived communication skills and improves levels of confidence and ability.
Pam Sherliker, Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University

C32: Slide Sheets - Unlocking their potential
In the modern world, slide sheets are vital in the moving and handling industry. This session will look at the safe systems of work in place for the use of slide sheets at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
Laura Wilshaw, Moving and Handling Advisor, EKHUF

C33: Understanding sensory impairments for people with complex needs
This workshop will discuss the sensory challenges that children and adults with complex needs experience during activities of daily living (ADL) and how this can impact on their cooperation during moving and handling. The session aims to give delegates an immersive experience on how it feels to have sensory impairments when being rolled for personal care, given a drink or being fed. The session will be interactive and give delegates a deeper understanding of sensory impairments and how we should approach ADL and its impact on behaviour during moving and handling
Penny Townsend, Independent Moving and Handling Advisor

C34: Understanding Behaviour That Challenges and It’s Implications For Moving and Handling Practice.
Many of the people we support are labelled as having challenging behaviours. This workshop explores why these behaviours may be occurring and how clearer understanding of these behaviours can produce a better person-centred manual handling plan.
Mike Cowan-Jones, Director/Occupational Therapist/Trainer, ARMS Rehab. Caitlin Cowan-Jones - Lived Experience Trainer ARMS Rehab. Rhiannon Cowan-Jones - Lived Experience Trainer, ARMS Rehab.