We have lots to talk about from the BNMS Spring ASM held at the ICC Birmingham

Sadly this was the final scientific meeting arranged by the current chairs of the scientific and educational committees. Jimmy Bomanji and Gopi have developed the meeting into an excellent educational event and a real showcase for the breadth of scientific work happening in the UK today. On behalf of all attendees at conference over the last few years I would personally like to thank them for the hard work they have put into the program, which we have all benefited from.

50th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner with old colleagues and friends

The batton has now been handed over to Stewart Redman and Sabina Dizdarevic, who have the onerous responsibility to improve and develop the meeting over the next cycle. I look forward to seeing their plans some to fruition.

The conference dinner was a particular highlight of the 50th anniversary of the BNMS, with Dr Keith Harding receiving the President’s medal and Sue Hatchard giving a very entertaining and memorable reflection of her extensive involvement with the BNMS and luckily not causing too many blushes. The Norman Veall medal was awarded to Steve Ebdon-Jackson, who has been a sensible voice within the regulatory process governing UK practice. Dr Mary Prescott received Honorary Membership, she will be greatly missed in clinical practice, not least by the group in Manchester, though I have a feeling she will still be involved in some way. Former CEO Sue Hatchard reflects on the past 27 years running the BNMS

The conference dinner also saw the launch of the first three titles of the pocket book series, as well as A History of Radionuclide Imaging in the UK. All of which will soon be available as electronic versions, via the website (http://www.bnms.org.uk) for BNMS members.

Sponsored by Siemens, pictured with Debbie Langhammer and editors Dr Jamshead Bomanji and Dr Gopinath Gnanasegaran with BNMS President Dr Alp Notghi

The AGM was well attended and Dr Notghi provided a thorough review of the last years activity of the BNMS - which the News and Views readership will be well aware of. At conference there was a ballot to rename the the BNMS clinical practitioners group and at the AGM it was agreed they will now be called the ‘BNMS RTN’ radiographers, technologist and nurses group. The treasurer reported that the BNMS maintains a stable financial position and membership will be pleased to hear that there are currently no plans to change membership fees. The BNMS will continue in safe hands with Professor Sobhan Vinjamuri taking on the responsibilities of President.

The website continues to be developed with plans for development of the carers and patients area, as well as some new promotional literature. There are also now pictures from conference which have been uploaded, so if you haven’t taken a look for a while check outhttp://www.bnms.org.uk.

Congratulations to all the prize winners from conference. There were a total of 7 scientific prizes awarded: full details are available on the BNMS website. Finally from conference I would like to thank our partners in industry for their ongoing enthusiasm. The commercial exhibition was once again, the hub of the event. Their support is key to the conferences success and without them it wouldn’t be the conference it is.

Looking forward I am personally getting excited about the autumn meeting in Bath and next month I hope to return to the interview format.

Dr Alexis Corrigan

NMC News and Views Editor