The Annual National Conference 2027
Join us online or in person at the Royal College of Physicians, London
March 1st 2027
Conference Rates
In Person
Members:
£225 Early Bird
/
£275 Standard
Non-members:
£275 Early Bird
/
£325 Standard
Online
Members:
£175 Early Bird
/
£200 Standard
Non-members:
£225 Early Bird
/
£250 Standard
Early Bird Closes 11th December 2026
Invoice registration and payment close on 29th January 2027
Connect, Innovate & Collaborate
Join us on 1st March 2027 for a day of learning and discussion focused on the future of preoperative care. This year, for the first time, you can attend our National Conference in person at the Royal College of Physicians or online, making it easier to take part wherever you are.
Bringing together nurses, anaesthetists, surgeons, pharmacists and allied health professionals, the conference offers an opportunity to explore developments in preoperative assessment and share ideas to improve patient care.
From artificial intelligence and the future of face-to-face assessment to complex clinical challenges and more inclusive care, this year’s programme will explore issues shaping everyday practice and the years ahead.
Programme highlights include:
- The future of preoperative assessment: a vision for 2037 and how PACE is transforming the preoperative journey.
- Complex haematology: patient blood management, anaemia optimisation, and perioperative thrombosis prevention and bridging.
- Innovation in practice: the role of AI and a pro–con debate on whether most surgical patients will need face-to-face preoperative assessment by 2037.
- Inclusive and personalised care: neurodiversity in preoperative assessment and research with practical relevance for POA clinicians.
- Workforce wellbeing: a dedicated breakout session exploring how we support those delivering preoperative care.
The programme also features oral presentations, with opportunities for those attending in person to view posters, explore the exhibition and connect with colleagues.
Conference Topics & Speakers
We bring together leading experts who will share insights, evidence-based practices, and innovative approaches to preoperative care. The day will highlight the latest best practices and clinical updates.
- The Future of Preoperative Assessment: A 2037 Vision
Professor Denny Levett
MA, BM BCh, PhD, MRCP, FRCA, FCICM, ChPOM
Consultant Anaesthetist,
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust & Director of CPOC
- Patient Blood Management and Anaemia Optimisation
Professor Simon Stanworth
FRCP, FRCPath Dphil
Consultant Haematologist,
John Radcliffe Hospital
- Prevention of Perioperative Thrombosis and Bridging
Professor Beverley Hunt
OBE, FRCP, FRCPath, MD
Consultant in Thrombosis and Haemostasis,
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- AI Demand Signalling - Opportunities for Smart Pre-operative Assessment
Dr James Bowness
BSc (Hons), MB & BChir (Cantab), DPhil (Oxon), MRCS, FRCA
Consultant Anaesthetist,
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Controversies in Preoperative Medicine: Pro–Con Debate
“Most surgical patients will not need face-to-face preoperative assessment by 2037”
Professor Mike Grocott,
BSc, MBBS, MD, FRCA, FRCP, FFICM
Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care,
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Joseph E. Alderman
MBChB FRCA PhD
Anaesthetist,
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
- Neurodiversity in Preoperative Assessment: Delivering
Inclusive Care
Dr Mary Doherty
Consultant Anaesthetist,
Our Lady’s Hospital, Ireland
- From Research to Practice: The Papers Every POA Clinician Should Know
Dr James Matthams
FRCA
Consultant Anaesthetist,
North Bristol NHS Trust
- Supporting the Workforce: Wellbeing in POA
Dr Ramai Santhirapala
FRCA, FCICM, FHEA
Consultant Anaesthetist,
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Wellbeing Lead, Royal College of Anaesthetists
Call for Project Summaries
Oral & Poster Presentation
Submission deadline - 8th January, 2027
We welcome abstract submissions from all healthcare professionals — including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health practitioners — with an interest in preoperative assessment. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your projects and share your work on a national stage.
The highest-scoring abstracts will be invited for a Free Paper Presentation (10 minutes total: 8 minutes for presentation and 2 minutes for questions). Other submissions may be selected for Poster Presentations.
This event is accredited by the Royal College of Anaesthetists for 5 CPD credits
