At the end of my term as President of the BSH, I would like to begin my final message by congratulating all of us on what has been an outstanding Annual Scientific Meeting in Liverpool. The quality of the science, the engagement of our community, and the spirit of collaboration on display have been truly exceptional. I will greatly miss being part of the Programme Committee and working alongside such dedicated colleagues to shape a meeting of this calibre.
Reflecting on the past two years, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a Society. We have navigated a period of significant change, marked by a new government and evolving healthcare priorities.
Throughout this, the Society has remained a strong and credible voice, responding to major national consultations including the 10-year plan, workforce plan and national cancer plan. We have strengthened our policy influence by modelling the current workforce, providing robust evidence to support our advocacy.
In doing this, we have also brought visibility to previously under-recognised areas of practice - most notably liaison haematology, which we have formally defined, analysed and published on, and which is now directly influencing job planning.
Alongside this, we have championed key areas, including transfusion, laboratory haematology, artificial intelligence, diversity, research, and the multidisciplinary team, while raising the profile of UK haematology both nationally and internationally and establishing meaningful global collaborations.
We have not shied away from difficult issues. We have defended the integrity of NHS haematology registries against transfer to centralised commercial platforms, and we have taken principled action in response to major concerns, including the Infected Blood Inquiry; the heartbreaking death of a child following a bone marrow procedure; unsafe and unregulated practices such as ‘bloodletting’; and the harms of medical misinformation which have had tragic consequences.
Internally, the Society has grown in strength and capability, with an expanded and more clearly defined staff structure supporting our work. We have taken steps to address long-term environmental, financial and organisational sustainability, including that of our journals, while embracing new editorial leadership.
Importantly, we have also redefined our specialty, adopting the term “Medical Haematology” and moved away from outdated and misleading terminology.
Finally, we have taken time to celebrate our community: marking 20 years at White Lion Street, recognising lifetime achievements, and continuing to support excellence through awards, prizes, research and publications.
Overall, we have delivered on all four pillars of the strategy that we initiated at the start of 2024. Membership has grown significantly, and across education, research, clinical guidance, and advocacy, we have continued to strengthen our role as a leading voice in haematology. We have expanded opportunities for our members, supported innovation and collaboration, and ensured that our work remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving field.
None of this would have been possible without the commitment and energy of the BSH team, led by Carol, our CEO, as well as the BSH Board, our 300+ volunteers, and the wider membership.
On a personal note, it has been a genuine privilege to serve as your President. I have thoroughly enjoyed the role - meeting so many of you, learning from your expertise, and witnessing first-hand the dedication that underpins our wonderful specialty.
My two years in this position represent only a brief snapshot in the life of an organisation that continues to grow, adapt, and respond to new opportunities and challenges. There are several important developments on the horizon, not least the new digital infrastructure, which will provide valuable opportunities, open new ways of working and deliver more personalised support for members.
The BSH will remain focused on key strategic priorities, including workforce development, research, education, equity and advocacy. These areas are critical to our profession and to the patients and communities we serve.
The Society will continue to thrive under new presidency, and John will, I am sure, find the role as rewarding as I have. He will be superbly supported by our outstanding CEO and the BSH team, as I have been. I strongly encourage you all to engage with the BSH activities and contribute your expertise. I will continue supporting and advocating for the profession as Chair of the Intercollegiate Committee for Haematology, involving the Presidents and key members of the Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Pathologists and the BSH.
So thank you again for all your collaboration, ideas and commitment to advancing our field. It has been an honour to be your President.