Dear Colleague,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Manchester and the 2009 Annual conference of the National Association of Medical Simulators.

This is a particularly exciting time for simulation in the UK and a perfect time for our meeting.  With Sir Liam Donaldson’s inclusion of simulation in the 150th Annual report of the Chief Medical Officer, now is the time for those new to simulation to become involved, and those already engaged in simulation to come together to ensure their voice is heard in shaping the way forward in the UK.
 
Simulation is expanding rapidly across the country, positive research is emerging from all areas of simulation both in the UK and Internationally, with collaboration around the world increasing at an exponential rate.  However, history has shown us that if unfocussed, much effort and resources can be wasted, the initial enthusiasm waning with the lack of infrastructural support, ending up with equipment gathering dust in cupboards and under desks.  In an effort to support the achieving of Sir Liams recommendations, enable the most efficient use of resources (especially in today’s difficult financial climate), and support those who have the drive to use them, we are devoting the day prior to the conference to the development of a position paper delineating the role of simulation in clinical education and the Healthcare System in the UK.
 
We have invited the key individuals from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales who will determine the regulation and implementation of simulation as a significant component of clinical education.  These include the National Lead for Simulation, representatives from the GMC, PMETB, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health Professional Council as well as the Academy of Medical Educators to meet with the cream of the simulation world from the UK to develop a consensus view on the role of simulation in clinical education.
 
NAMS itself is also to undergo a revitalisation, with the amalgamation with the Clinical Skills Network being put forward at the AGM.  We look forward to a bright and vibrant future with the coming together of so many positive auspices at one time, despite the current financial concerns.
 
I would like to deeply thank the NAMS2009 team including our local Scientific Chair Dillon Prosser, in conjunction with the newly formed NAMS permanent scientific committee, led by Andy Buttery, who together also reviewed the abstracts and posters, Mahil Samuel, chair of the workshop committee, and Supul Hennayake Chair of the Surgical Track committee for their commitment to making the meeting a success.  The NAMS 2009 programme is the end result of their tireless efforts in producing a unique, diverse and dynamic conference.
 
As we have invited many new colleagues to this meeting, we wished to create a special working environment to foster collaboration and the ability to network that can so often be missing from large meetings.  We also are pleased that we remain dedicated to the multiprofessional nature of simulation having invited all clinicians to attend from all areas of clinical practice, not just physicians and nurses, but physiotherapists, pharmacists, radiologists and radiographers, indeed all who have patient contact, and form part of the therapeutic team, which is too large to mention in its entirety here.
 
We hope you will have a technically rewarding experience, and use this occasion to meet old friends and make many new ones.  The programme is organised to cover a wide range of subjects within simulation to accommodate and interest a diverse audience – from crisis resource management in all areas, the nursing curricula, adult learning and multimedia, virtual reality and serious gaming.  We have tried to plan something for everyone.
 
I would like to also thank our esteemed group of lecturers, Drs Ziv, Taylor, Shaw, Kato, Wynne and Carley who have allowed us to develop the programme as a state of the art learning experience across all the dimensions of simulation as it rolls across the two day meeting.  From overviews through delivery modes to communications training and debriefing methods, encompassing patient safety and research along the way.
Finally, my warmest thanks go out to all of you, the authors, speakers and participants, for contributing to the success of NAMS 2009, you remain the heart and soul of the conference.
 
I wish you an enjoyable and productive NAMS 2009, as well as a wonderful experience amidst the warmth of Mancunian hospitality, heat of Manchester’s night life, and let not the Manchester weather dampen your spirit.
 
With warm regards
 
David
 
David Stewart
Chair NAMS 2009
Lead Clinician for Paediatric Simulation
Lead Clinician for Education & Training
Department of Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Central Manchester Foundation Trust