An unusualy large number stayed for the last morning, which was enlivened by a series of special sessions, beginning with John Hutton, Minister of State for Health, standing in for John Reid at the last minute and giving a very helpful address on the policy perspective on the future of primary care. Mr Hutton was unusual, not only in staying for questions, but also by responding to challenging questions with the comment that this was a group he needed more contact with. So plans are already afoot for a meeting with the Minister, to discuss research-based inputs to government policy for primary care. Not a bad result, as these things go.
There followed a poster session, fulfiling the organiser's promise that every poster would be subject to peer review and comment. Feedback suggests that this was a popular session, which over-ran in several cases, due to shared interest in research in over a dozen topic areas.
After a fifth parallel session of scientific presentations, the final session of the conference covered many issues in quickfire succession — bottles of Bollinger for the conference team, a quick debrief on the Minister's visit, the award of two bursaries for the best presentations to be given again at the next meeting of NAPCRAG in Orlando, an enticing presentation for next year's ASM in Gateshead and a standing ovation for Roger Jones' contributions to academic primary care.
The College has launched the Paul Freeling Award (PFA) for innovative or meritorious work in the field of vocational training in general practice.
The Award, open to course organisers and trainers, is inspired by the work of the late Professor Paul Freeling. Award winners will receive a certificate and £1000, donated by the Professor Freeling's widow, Mrs Shirley Freeling. The Award's presentation will take place annually.
Application for the PFA is by nomination or self-nomination; using the application form available on the RCGP website. All entries must be received by 15 September 2004. Applications for the Award must be made on the application form available on the RCGP website.
For more information on this award and for an application form visit the RCGP website at: http://www.rcgp.org.uk/corporate/awards/paulfreeling.asp
The conference closed with a rapid presentation of 100 photographic images, producing rapt recognition of the people, places and activities of the conference, played to the resounding soundtrack of Local Hero — appropriate not only for its title ‘Going Home’ but also the efforts of a large team of local heroes, who had worked hard and long to ensure a memorable visit to Glasgow for their guests to the city.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2004.
