More than 400 delegates representing over 100 organisations came together to explore opportunities for closer collaboration at the 2015 Welsh Public Health Conference in Cardiff on 2 and 3 November.
Delegates talked about how Wales can make the most of its tradition of collective action and fairness to mobilise organisations and communities to improve health and wellbeing, and tackle inequalities.
The conference took place in the context of an opening address by the Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford, in which he reinforced the need for greater collaboration across agencies and policy areas.
Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of Public Health Wales, said: “We’ve come away from the conference this year with real optimism, and a sense that we’ve taken an important first step towards the transformation we need in Wales.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for organisations and individuals in Wales to unite as never before. We are starting this journey from a strong platform given that our sense of community, collaboration and fairness are ingrained in the social fabric of Wales.
“If we can harness this power, we really can create the foundations for a positive future for people in Wales.”
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey, said: “The conference was a fascinating opportunity to hear from experts on a range of issues, including emerging global threats, exploiting technology and how genomics can play a role in the way we approach chronic conditions and infectious diseases.
“I’m encouraged that so many people who are committed to improving health and wellbeing came together to talk about the progress we have made and the opportunities to continue progress towards a healthier, happier, fairer Wales.”
Professor Sir Mansel Aylward CB, Chair of Public Health Wales, said: “We have been astonished by the response to the conference this year, which has exceeded everybody’s expectations.
“I have personally been overwhelmed by the optimism and sense of a shared purpose from our delegates, who came from every part of Wales and the UK. I’ve also greatly enjoyed our international speakers, including Professor Don Berwick, who provided a valuable international perspective on improving health.”
The Welsh Public Health Conference 2015 in numbers
- 420+ – Delegates attending the conference
- 100+ – Organisations represented
- 29 – Days earlier than planned the registration process closed due to unprecedented demand for places
- 100,000+ – People reached on Twitter across the two days
- 213 – Abstracts submitted across seven themes
- 22 – Exhibitors from across sectors in Wales
The 2015 Welsh Public Health Conference, ‘United in Improving Health: A Healthier, Happier and Fairer Wales’ took place over two days at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.
The annual conference is jointly hosted by Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government, and is the leading learning and networking event for everyone involved in creating a positive and healthy future for the people of Wales.
More information about the conference, including the programme and other associated materials, is available on the Public Health Wales website at www.publichealthwales.org/conference.
