We would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who attended our recent Network Protected Learning Time Event. We are thrilled to say it was a huge success!

The event was held on the afternoon of Thursday 27^th April 23 at the Women’s Organisation, aimed at all General Practice staff in our network, both clinical and non-clinical. Staff were able to learn from our various speakers provided by Camurus plus our very own Dr Monica Khuraijam. Attendees gained valuable insights into the Opioid Prescribing Project, the Network LARC service and Bowel Cancer FIT training.

The day started with hot drinks, refreshments, and delicious catering from local café Bisque-it, followed by two simultaneous talks for Clinical and Non-Clinical Staff. Non-Clinical staff attended presentation from Graeme Dixon, Director of Innovation and Service Delivery at Agencia which provided an important project overview, local trends, and some examples of best practice. In the next room Clinical Staff enjoyed Yasir Abbasi’s presentation in which he spoke on Opioid Analgesic Dependence and other related topics.

After a coffee and cake break all staff were combined for the remainder of the afternoon. Next on the agenda was a presentation from Colin Fears, Independent Consultant from Noetic Mind Life Coaching. Here Colin gave insight into the importance of language when attempting to reduce stigma and changing the patient conversation. Although in the context of this event the learning was geared towards stigma surrounding Opioids, this can also be extended by staff to all patient demographics. This talk was followed by Monica Khuraijam, GP Partner, and Trainer at Oak Vale Medical Centre. Monica provided an informative update of the iGPc LARC Service giving some impressive Statistics and touching on future plans. A reminder on how to refer into the LARC service was also provided. Finally, Monica presented an update on Bowel Cancer FIT Training which is a new method of testing that all staff must be made aware of.

Throughout the day attendees had the opportunity to interact with each other, share ideas and build relationships with other staff. We believe positive relationships amongst staff is vital in maintaining a happy Network.  Each presentation provided staff with not only valuable information and knowledge but practical tools and techniques that they can apply to their everyday working.

We are so thrilled to have hosted such a well-received PLT event and we would like to thank everyone who attended, both in person and virtually, our speakers, our caterers, the venue staff, and everyone who helped make the event possible. We look forward to our next Network PLT taking place in July!