The 2026 Annual Scientific Conference explores the theme “Healthcare: It’s a Risky Business.” Keynote speaker Professor Andrew Smith will address clinical and decontamination risks. Sessions examine surgical risk, the debate between single‑use and reusable instruments, and challenges in cleaning increasingly complex medical devices. Sustainability pressures and their potential unintended risks are highlighted by Tracey Gauci. Endoscope decontamination and communicating associated risks to policymakers remain central topics. Innovation features through the “Pioneers Podium,” where partners pitch new solutions, and the event concludes with a Great Debate on whether the UK should replace HTMs with international standards.

TOPICS COVERED TO INCLUDE

• Implant Update - Welsh Health Circular – Crossing the Line or Accept!
• Phaco Handpieces Evolution—Mind the Awareness Gap
• Risks of Making Misinformed Choices – Decontamination versus Sustainability
• An Evolution of Understanding – The Journey Med Tech has made in Environmental
• The Elves and the Shoemaker. Decontamination of endoscopes really isn’t Magic
• Basins, Bathing and Beyond: Re-thinking hospital design to improve water and waste water safety

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Anyone with an interest in Medical Device Decontamination, Infection Prevention and Control and Patient safety.

SPEAKERS

• Professor Andrew Smith (Clinical Microbiologist)
• John Prendergast (AE(D)
• Jim Tinsdeall (AE(D)
• Tracey Gauci (IPC)
• Michelle Sullivan (Public Affairs)
• Helen Griffiths (Endoscopy Nurse Consultant)
• Victoria Gentry (IPC)
• Ronald Wassenburg (Endoscopy)
• Ursula Moby (Decon Lead)
• Mat Mayo (HR)
• Sulisti Holmes (Decon Lead)
• Mett Smart (Microbiologist)
• Rob Warburton (Decon Lead)
• Richard Bancroft (Scientific Director)
• Brian Kirk (AE(D)

For more information, please contact: [email protected].