3 reasons to attend the Rural Health Conference as a comms pro

Rural Health Conference 2017, Tuesday 28 February, National Audit Office, 11am – 4pm

Unmanageable pressure on A&E departments, GPs, and services right across the health sector continues to hit the headlines in startling ways. Stories of 4+ hour waiting times at A&E, departments declaring a “red alert”, and claims of patient safety risks paint a picture of a health system in crisis.

But are there things other organisations could do to help the situation long before someone needs to see a doctor?

How can organisations right across the public and not-for-profit sectors work together more effectively to alleviate the pressure on acute health services?

While the demands on services mount, budgets tighten. These circumstances coupled with the distinctive difficulties rural healthcare providers face make for a uniquely challenging environment. Unbelievably so, in fact. However. We’re confident there are things we could all do to help. Perhaps your organisation too!

If you’re involved in helping citizens lead healthier and safer lives (directly in a healthcare role, or indirectly as a government communicator, for example), we want to hear your voice. Join us for the Rural Health Conference at the National Audit Office in London on 28 February.

Here are 3 reasons to attend this one-day event:

1) You’ll hear from some of the brightest minds in ‘health’

Through a series of keynote talks, a plenary, workshops, and networking, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with health and communications professionals from across the health sector, local government, academia, and the not-for-profit sector.

Hear from Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Chair of the LGA Community Wellbeing Board, Professor Rod Thompson, Director of Public Health at Shropshire Council, Professor Allison Marshall, Director of the Cumbrian Centre for Health Technologies, Dave Worsell of GovDelivery Europe, and others. Let’s have a frank discussion about the challenges being faced, and consider practical ways we can work together to deliver better health outcomes for more people.

2) You know comms! This is about effective citizen engagement and preventive measures too

How can citizens be empowered to better protect their own health? What could local government communicators, other public sector engagement specialists, and charities be doing to support early-intervention measures? Share your ideas and examples of how your organisation is helping to build a healthier society.

3) You’ll learn some digital engagement best practices

Many organisations are already using digital communications to inform, educate, and drive people to take positive actions that benefit their wellbeing. This in turn can help avoid the need for acute health services further down the line. You’ll hear from Bedford Borough Council and GovDelivery about how government organisations’ proactive citizen communications are having an impact and empowering behavioural change. Come and share your experience too.

Space is limited – please book your place as soon as possible.

This event is being run by the Rural Services Network with support from digital engagement specialists at GovDelivery.

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