North West Independent Health and Social Care Conference
Research and Innovation in IHSC
23 Apr 2025, 10:00 - 15:00
Choose event information:
Join us for our annual conference specifically for North West members working in independent health and social care settings.
This year's conference will be exploring the importance and benefits of research and innovation in improving nursing and outcomes across IHSC settings.
Hosted by Dr Michelle Howarth, Professor in Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, Associate Director CSR (Centre for Social Responsibility), Chair of the Greater Manchester Social Care Advisory Council and Co-Chair of the Personalised Care Interprofessional Education Network (PerCIE), we will welcome speakers from local universities, care homes and the RCN and are delighted to welcome RCN Fellow, Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, who will present on 'Social Care Nursing - Part of the Solution for Social Care'. A full programme can be found on the 'Programme' tab.
The conference is an in-person event, being held at the Living Well Cafe in St Helens. Registration will open from 9am, with the event beginning at 10am and lunch provided. From 3pm - 3.30pm there will be the opportunity for networking.
This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with others working in any independent health and social care setting to make connections, discuss issues and solutions and learn more about the way your RCN can support you in your role.
For any enquiries, please contact:
Melissa Stanton
melissa.stanton@rcn.org.uk
Living Well Cafe
Alexandra House
Borough Road
St Helens
WA10 3RN
Living Well Cafe, owned by Willows Hospice.
Please note these programme details and timings are subject to change.
Programme Overview
09:30: Registration
10:00: Welcome from the Region
Melissa Stanton, Lead Nurse Independent Health and Social Care (North West)
10:10: Welcome from the Host
Dr Michelle Howarth, Professor in Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University
Associate Director, Centre for Social Responsibilty / Chair, Greater Manchester Social Care Advisory Council / Co-Chair, Personalised Care Interprofessional Education Network (PerCIE)
10:30: Session One: TBC
Lynda Finney, Clinical Director, Willowbrook Hospice
10:50: Questions for Session One
11:00: Session Two: The Importance of Research in Independent Health and Social Care
Dr Melanie Stephens, Associate Professor in Adult Nursing, University of Salford.
During this session Melanie will share with the audience the importance of engaging and using research in the independent health and social care sector. Examples of studies Melanie has led in the sector will be used to highlight the importance to care and service delivery and the impact of staff and service users.
11:20: Questions for Session Two
11:30: Session Three: TBC
Dr Zena Aldridge, Social Care Nurse Fellow.
11:50: Questions for Session Three
12:00: Lunch
13:00: Session Four: Social Care Nursing – Part of the Solution for Social Care
Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Department for Health and Social Care.
This session will provide valuable insights into the pivotal role of nursing in social care, the impact of effective leadership, collaborative practices and the importance of empowering the workforce to meet the complex needs of those they support.
13:20: Questions for Session Four
13:30: Session Five: Nursing Workforce Standards and Implementing Best Practice
Lena Johnson, RCN Professional Lead (Nursing Workforce) and Katharina Simkiss, Registered Nurse, Barchester Oak Grange.
14:00: Questions for Session Five
14:10: RCN Professional Services: Professional Lead Education at the RCN
Lucy Tomlins, RCN Professional Lead for Learning and Development
14:30: RCN Professional Services: Library Services
Alan Chalkley, RCN Information Literacy Assistant
14:50: Closing Remarks and Thanks
Melissa Stanton, Lead Nurse Independent Health and Social Care (North West)
Page last updated - 20/03/2025
