Conference Programme 2025 | National Back Exchange

This year's conference programme is currently being finalised but we already have some great sessions confirmed! See below for a list of workshops taking place at this years conference. More are being added daily so check back reguarly for more detail.

Confirmed Workshops:

How to undertake a Business Case
One of my bigger projects is to promote patient mobility and the importance of keeping our patients moving. The effects of immobility Older people in hospital who are confined to bed are at risk of losing physical condition, function and independence; this is known as deconditioning and is one of the most common reasons for delayed hospital discharge. One of the biggest causes of deconditioning is lack of equipment because it’s too expensive or procurement don’t feel it’s important to spend this money. Building the business case with help you support the funding and what is needed to ensure you get the right documentation to present your case. By analysing costs, benefits, risks, etc., an organization's business case helps to inform your healthcare to spend money in the right direction of care.
Sharon Rindsland, Moving and Handling Senior Co-Orindatior, East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Emergency evacuation from birthing pools
A theory/practical session sharing the skills and knowledge of safe midwifery evacuation from a birthing pool. These skills include pool positioning whether in hospital, birth centre or at home. Discussion surrounding when emergency evaluation maybe required, albeit very rare and barely documented in any research. Midwives need to ensure they have appropriate, robust equipment and training to ensure safe evacuation for staff and mother/baby. Time will be given to show a short training dvd from silvalea.
Dianne Garland, Freelance midwife, midwifeexpert.com

Right chair Right patient?
Ward staff often order specialist chairs without properly considering patients' physical or cognitive needs, and therapists, who are expected to assess these needs, lack sufficient knowledge of available chair options. Getting the right chair is crucial, as it can prevent complications like pressure ulcers, falls, and hospital deconditioning syndrome—a condition that negatively impacts both physical and mental health and increases hospital stays and readmissions. However, the wrong chair can worsen these risks and lead to patients refusing to sit out. The session will explore how a quality improvement (QI) approach—using data, testing changes, and measuring outcomes—can ensure patients receive the right chair, improving care and recovery.
Helen Naylor, Lead Manual Handling Specialist Advisor, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“On the surface of it” – evaluating the effect of the surface on the physical demands placed on handlers during lateral transfers.
This session would provide a summary of my MSc dissertation investigating whether the firmness of a clinical surface influences the physical demands placed on handlers when moving a subject with a friction reducing device (FRD) in a lateral transfer. Physical demands were measured by recording peak hand forces and self-reported rates of perceived force. Hand forces were used to calculate the co-efficient of friction between different combinations of surface and FRD and demonstrated an inversely proportional relationship between surface firmness and co-efficient of friction. The literature supports the use of air assisted devices for lateral transfers, but this study suggests this is only true on firm surfaces. The findings related to the use of air assisted products produced surprising results which may have significant implications for their rising popularity in clinical practise.
Sally Morrow, Senior Moving and Handling Adviser, Manchester Foundation NHS Trust

Person-centred, balanced and optimal manual handling risk assessments: a collaborative approach
The moving and handling risk assessor must not only assess the moving and positioning needs of the client, but must also consider the wishes and opinions of the client and all those around them, including formal carers, personal assistants, family members and others. This can be a challenging role, especially when not all these people will be in agreement as to the best solutions to reduce risk. Purposefully choosing to work collaboratively with the client and those around them, from the outset, increases the likelihood of implementing a successful and workable solution. This session will look at helpful published guidance that underpins this approach and will include information from relevant legal cases. We will then use a scenario for delegates to consider, assessing the manual handling needs of a person who is supported at home by their family and by personal assistants and where there is a range of opinions and views as to the optimal manual handling methods that should be used. We will share an example of copyright-free documentation that can be used and adapted, which helps us ensure that our assessments and recommendations are recorded in enough detail.
Elizabeth Hallows, Moving and Handling Specialist and Chartered Physiotherapist

Intimacy, Sex & Disability: Understanding Legal and Physical Support Needs
Sexuality is a fundamental part of human identity, yet conversations around sex and disability remain taboo, often leaving disabled individuals without the guidance, support, and autonomy they deserve. My session will explore the intersection of disability, intimacy, and sexuality, addressing both the legal frameworks that govern this area and the physical support needs that may arise. Many individuals with disabilities require assistance to engage in intimate relationships, yet professionals often lack the knowledge or confidence to support them effectively. My presentation will highlight the key challenges faced by individuals with disabilities regarding sex and intimacy, including consent, accessibility, physical support, and the role of caregivers. I will also examine the ethical and legal considerations surrounding this topic, including the Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding responsibilities, and professional boundaries.
Daniele Paige, Director, SupportiveAction Risk Management

Beyond manual handling training - development of 24 hour postural care passport for support workers
Chronic poor posture can lead to serious health issues like body shape changes, respiratory and digestive problems, skin breakdown, and pain. To address this, the National Postural Care Strategy Group in Scotland was formed in 2018 to implement the "Your Posture Matters" strategy and promote collaboration across health and social care. Their work highlights the importance of 24-hour postural management in preventing complications, especially for people with conditions like cerebral palsy. The session will showcase a partnership with Capability Scotland, which developed a postural care policy and training program for support workers to improve outcomes and prevent secondary issues such as pressure injuries and contractures.
Norma Findlay, Course Director, Training For Care