I've just finished the three-day Haematology in Obstetrics course. I've been running this, with world-class speakers, for 23 years now and I don't think I could ever grow tired of it; every year is different.
Teaching is one of the best ways to remind us how stimulating our field is, affirming what we know and what there is still to be discovered; the course evolves with changing landscapes and latest research and recommendations.
In small groups we discuss cases, both routine and complex. We share experiences and learn from each other, not that which can be taught in lectures or absorbed from textbooks, but rather the practical nuances and decision-making processes, the style of management, attention to detail, and involvement of both obstetricians and haematologists, as well as other relevant specialists.
The wide international participation brings extra interest and dimension. Right now, I think this must be my favourite three workdays of the year. However, I find myself thinking the same in other months, as our time in medicine and haematology is rich and varied in enjoyable and fulfilling occasions.
On 16 September, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our office opening at 100 White Lion Street. To mark this occasion, we held a Committee and Special Interest Group (SIG) showcase day, where Chairs were invited to discuss their work and priorities for the next 12 months. Their leadership, vision and numerous initiatives are impressive, and we will ensure ongoing support, linking to the delivery of our strategy.
In the evening, the Committee and SIG Chairs were joined by Professor Sir James Underwood, President of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath), who opened the building in 2004, the current president of RCPath, Bernie Croal, recent BSH presidents, taskforce chairs and trustees, to raise a toast to the last 20 years and the continued success of the BSH.
We have come so far since 2004, when we had only one staff member whose job involved managing the property, membership administration and organising meetings. The BSH has grown its membership from 1,406 members to 3,223, and its staff from one to fourteen, who are responsible for 146 guidelines, 18 committees and SIGS, 13 grant programmes, social media accounts with over 15,700 followers, 17 events and educational webinars, and the Annual Scientific Meeting. As we develop more strategic partnerships this team will need to expand.
We held our annual Board retreat on 20 September. The retreat is a chance for the Board and Senior Leadership Team to have a day together to reflect, discuss strategy, results and ambitions, and partake in workshops aided by professional facilitators. The focus for this year's retreat was our 'brand', i.e. how we wish to be perceived and valued by others, both external organisations and our internal diverse membership. It was helpful to consider the risks, issues and opportunities of being prominent, so we don't invite unnecessary difficulties as experienced recently by other organisations.
Some innovative and creative ideas emerged from the retreat, which will be consolidated and rolled out over the next 12 months.
Lord Darzi's report on the state of the National Health Service in England was published this month. He found that the expansion of the workforce has not increased productivity. Efforts are often spent solving process problems and administration. When the most common words used by staff are 'challenging', 'tiring' and 'frustrating', changes in our ways of working are long overdue.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those members who contributed data to our workforce project. Together with London Southbank University, we will be hosting a webinar on 10 October to discuss the main findings, including an analysis of the demand for haematological services and the supply of workforce to meet this need. We hope you can join us.
Lastly, abstract submission has now opened for our 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting. It is the UK's largest haematology conference, and with around 2,000 attendees, it's the perfect opportunity to showcase your research.
In addition to oral or poster presentations, your abstract will be published in the British Journal of Haematology, one of the most highly cited international general haematology journals. We welcome submissions from medical students as well as experienced researchers.
Our Early Careers Forum have put together some tips on how to write an abstract to help those who might be submitting for the first time.