The Association of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (UK)
P O Box 11785
Peterhead
AB42 5YG
Tel. 0845 2255 937 Email: admin@aohnp.co.uk

From 2005 the Association will hold its annual Symposium and Ruth Alston Memorial Lecture in May of each year, alternating venues between London and another area of the country. The Annual General Meeting and Good Practice Forum will be held in October each year at a venue within one of the UK regions.

In addition, regional events and study days are arranged throughout the year on various occupational health related topics.

Major AOHNP (UK) Event Schedule

Ruth Alston Memorial Lecture
Ruth Alston was a passionate advocate of occupational health nursing. She frequently demonstrated this during her varied career that included working in industrial and commercial settings and teaching occupational health nursing students.

To many she is probably best known for her part in the development of the Hanasaari Model for occupational health nursing. This was one of the earliest examples of occupational health nursing in the UK mirroring the developments and moves towards an increased academic approach seen in nursing generally.

No model can ever capture the essence and humanity of Ruth. She was firm yet kind, assertive yet tolerant, warm yet business like and knowledgeable yet a life long learner.

Her tragic early death made us all poorer but richer in that we have the opportunity to remember her during the annual Ruth Alston Memorial Lecture.

One of Ruth’s last kind acts for her AOHNP(UK) colleagues was to agree that this annual lecture be held in her name. She requested only that there should somehow be a link between occupational health nursing and the business world. This has given opportunity for a wide brief and diverse topics for past speakers. The AOHNP (UK) is pleased that Gail Cotton (Head of Occupational Health Services at Leicestershire Fire & Rescue and Past President of the Association) has agreed to deliver this year's lecture and I anticipate that Gail will be as thought provoking and interesting as previous speakers.

For RAML 2005 we are trying a new format and holding the event earlier in the year and during the evening pre Symposium. We have decided to substitute the traditional buffet for a three course informal yet served meal. Networking opportunity will remain during the reception, during the meal at large tables and for some perhaps afterwards in the lounge.

I hope that as many members and non-members as possible will join us and I look forward to welcoming you all to RAML 2005.
Judy Cook, President - January 2005

Symposium
The 2005 symposium will provide good value, central location, many networking opportunities, interesting content and learning outcomes and makes good sense. Topics include Partnership working in health and safety; Ergonomics - a new approach; Impact of the revised Noise at Work Regulations; an Interactive session on the Changing Demands of Occupational Health; Drug and Alcohol at the Workplace (an OH Case Study) and a Confidentiality Medicals Records quiz.

The preliminary flyer and booking form for both events can be accessed by using the relevant link on the table above. If you have difficulties please contact the Association Administrator.

Other Organisation Events

Tuesday, 22 February 2005
National Conference on RSI and Health
Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

This event's objective is to raise awareness of RSI in the employer's consciousness, encouraging pre-emptive action as well as creating better awareness and understanding of these conditions for medical professionals. The Conference will provide guidance for managers and specialist advice on improving performance by preventing ULDs through to rehabilitation of those suffering from RSI related conditions. Eminent speakers will provide invaluable insight and expertise in medico-legal, HR and training issues associated with this condition.
Further details from www.rsiconferences.com.

Thursday, 24 March 2005
IOSH Chiltern Branch Seminar, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Herts
The Disability Discrimination Act and Safety at Work

At this event there will be six speakers on a wide range of related subjects, including the application of the Act; practical steps; role of OH and where to seek further advice and information.
Contact the Events Team, Booking Line and Information - 0116 257 3195

Thursday, 14 April 2005
National Extension College and regis:ctv
Caring Together - New Standards, New Opportunities
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham

For more information visit www.caring-together.co.uk or telephone Zoe Mansfield on 01243 558019

Friday, 15 April 2005
South Yorkshire OH Nurses Group
OH Conference and Exhibition, Doncaster

Don't miss out on an excellent day. Exception value. Dermatology Specialist Nurse. RoSPA Award winners. Tribunal success by OH nurse. Sicknote pilot scheme. 3 course lunch.

Contact: mlawrence@davidbrown.textron.co.uk
Mobile: 07788 102019

Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st April 2005
The Manchester Conference Centre
BOHS ‘Occupational Hygiene 2005’ Conference

Occupational Hygiene 2005, the pre-eminent conference in this field in Europe, brings together leading UK, European and international researchers, practitioners and regulators both as presenters and delegates. It is organised by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

The three day programme includes sessions on all the major occupational health and hygiene themes and emerging issues, as well as a wide choice of topical workshops.

The full programme and booking form is available on the BOHS website, www.bohs.org/goto/events, or by telephoning BOHS on 01332 298101.