Annual Meeting of UK Plastic Surgeons showcases innovation and best practice from around the world


25 November 2015 

Today (Wednesday 25 November) the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) hosts its annual Winter Scientific Meeting in Birmingham to showcase the latest developments and research in plastic surgery innovation. 

The event provides a platform for leading UK and international Plastic Surgeons to meet and share the latest successful pioneering innovations that are having a direct transformative effect on people’s lives.

Attracting over 400 delegates, the Meeting features guest lecture sessions throughout the programme, including talks on head, breast, cleft lip and palate and limb reconstruction. This year the three-day event takes place at the Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham. 

Key sessions include:
• The first meeting of the Innovation Group, the only dedicated innovation group among surgical societies, which will highlight the best developments in plastic surgery
• Members speaking on how they have improved the efficiency of free flap breast reconstruction surgery, resulting in cost benefits to hospitals and improved outcomes for patients
• Presentations on state of the art microsurgery in hand, lower limb and breast
• The Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network (RSTN), the clinical trials network for plastic surgery and hand surgery in the UK
• Presentations on the important role of Plastic Surgeons in trauma teams

Among the prominent guest speakers at the event will be Professor Tony Young, National Clinical Director for Innovation at NHS England, and Brendan Eley, Chief Executive of the Healing Foundation, the national medical research charity championing the cause of people living with disfigurement. 

The Meeting will also see the annual President’s Prize awarded to showcase and reward outstanding research that has been undertaken by BAPRAS Surgeons. This year’s contenders include papers on the management of rare craniofacial anomalies in patients in underdeveloped countries as well as circulating tumour DNA as a novel biomarker in cancer research. 
 BAPRAS President and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Nigel Mercer said: “BAPRAS is proud to host to pioneering Plastic Surgeons from across the world who are sharing their expertise to advance our all encompassing Specialty for the benefit of patients everywhere. These discussions are crucial to helping drive best practice and patient outcomes.”

Ends

About BAPRAS
BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is the voice of plastic surgery in the UK. It aims to increase the understanding of the professional specialty and scope of plastic surgery, promoting innovation in teaching, learning and research.

Founded in 1946 (originally as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons), today BAPRAS has over 800 members and is the professional representative body for reconstructive and aesthetic Plastic Surgeons providing services to patients on the NHS and privately in the UK. Members of the public can find a member Plastic Surgeon in their area by logging on to www.bapras.org.uk. Anyone can check the GMC to find out if a surgeon is on the plastic surgery specialist register; http://www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/index.asp
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