COVID continues to change our society and as a consequence our Society. When we finally emerge from this pandemic we may live in a different world. Charlotte and Caroline have been working from home since March and they have found that not only does it work well but they can be more efficient. Therefore, the Officer’s have decided along with Charlotte and Caroline that this arrangement will be permanent. We will keep our address and rent some storage but Charlotte and Caroline will continue to work from home. We will no longer need to pay an office rent and Charlotte has won a grant from Nottingham City council to update our hardware and software.  In a way we have gone back to the past when the BNMS was run out of Sue Hatchard’s house. I think we can be proud of being part of a Society which is modernising work practices and avoiding making those who work for us having to commute.

I know there is much we cannot do unless face to face but we also need to think if how we can join the 21^st century. Consultations for radioiodine treatment can be done over the phone and even consent taken using secure video-conferencing. It may not suit everybody but it could allow us to be more flexible for our patients. At last some hospitals who have held out like King Canute against the tide have finally allowed doctors to report from home using telemedicine. Maybe one day our employers will understand the difference between work and attendance.

There will be some other changes. In July members will receive an electronic ballot. We have a new council member to elect but also members will be asked to make a temporary amendment to the articles of association (our rules in non-legal terms). Due to the disruption from COVID which may get worse next winter Council has asked that the officers roll over their terms of office for one year. This would mean the President, President-Elect, Treasurer and Secretary remain in post. The consequence of this is that Richard takes over as President in May 2021. We hold elections for a new President-Elect in January 2022. These changes however, needs your agreement before the next AGM in September.

The next area of COVID related change is how do we undertake our scientific meetings. At present Charlotte, Caroline and the SEC are working hard to see if we can have a virtual meeting and AGM in September of this year. It will be a one day event and we do need to charge a registration fee to cover our costs but it will be less than a normal meeting. We will also have a virtual Zoom AGM so you join in wherever you are. At present nothing is settled but we will let everyone know by the end of July what is happening. We still hope to meet in person in May next year but may have to have a hybrid meeting with some on-line content. All these plans remain fluid as we still do not know what is in store for us.

For those able to get away on holiday, I do hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy some rest. If you are stuck at work, keep well and hope your vacation turn comes soon.

Dr John Buscombe

BNMS President