Scientific programme | Association of Anaesthetists
Register
Become a member

Scientific programme Annual Congress 2026

CPD and eventsEducation & eventsAnnual Congress 2026Scientific programme Annual Congress 2026

Day 1 - Wednesday 16 September 2026

TIME PROGRAMME ITEM
08:30-09:45

Registration (Exhibition Hall) / tea and coffee / exhibition 
09:45-10:15

Stream A (Hall 1A)

W1a: Opening ceremony, welcome and introduction to Annual Congress

Welcome and introduction to Annual Congress
Dr Tim Meek, President, Association of Anaesthetists
10:15-11:00

Stream A (Hall 1A)

W2a: Keynote
Chair: Dr Tim Meek, President, Association of Anaesthetists

Beyond net zero: building climate resilient anaesthesia
Dr Vivian Ip, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Many of us have experienced extreme weather events that have strained our healthcare systems, including our own anaesthesia departments. Have you ever wondered when - not if - these events happen again, can our specialty respond and adapt effectively? This question goes beyond environmentally sustainable practice, essential as that already is. It is about climate resilience: preparing anaesthesia to function, protect patients, and support systems under pressures of a changing climate.
11:00-11:40

Tea and coffee, exhibition and ePosters
11:40-13:10

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

W4a: 10 Minutes to convince
Chair: TBC

W4b: Procurement in anaesthesia: from evidence to implementation
Chair: TBC

W4c: Sickle cell: Practice, progress and perspective
Chair: TBC

W4d: Industry session / Shortlisted ePoster presentations
Chair: TBC

(11:40 - 11:50) Most audits are pointless
Dr Carolyn Johnston, St George's Hospital, London

(11:50 - 12:00) Anaesthetists should stop on calls at 50
Dr Seema Agarwal, Consultant, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester

(12:00 - 12:10) ERAS protocols are the enemy of critical thinking
Prof William Fawcett, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Royal Surrey

(12:10 - 12:20) Sedation doesn't always need an anaesthetist
Dr Jan Steiner, Medical Director Intensive Care, Consultant Anaesthesiologist/Intensivist, Blackrock Health Galway Clinic

(12:20 - 12:30) Depth of anaesthesia monitoring is mostly theatre
Dr Pete Odor, Consultant, University College Hospital, London


(12:30 - 13:10) Discussion

(11:40 - 12:00) Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring - lag between guidelines and practice
Prof Jennie Hunter, Consultant, Royal Liverpool Hospital

(12:00 - 12:20) Universal video laryngoscopes - How it was done in Cardiff
Dr Catrin Maidment, Cardiff

(12:20 - 12:40) Working with procurement - magic or mystery?
Ms Pia Larsen, Chief Procurement Officer and Dr David Hutchinson, Consultant Anaesthetist, Guys and St Thomas'

(12:40- 13:10) Discussion

(11:40 - 12:00) Sickle cell for anaesthesia
Dr Kailash Bhatia, Consultant Anaesthesia and Peri-operative Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals and St Mary's Hospital

(12:00 - 12:20) Gene therapy
Dr Nandini Sadasivam, Consultant Haematologist, Manchester University Hospitals and Deputy Chair National Haemoglobinopathy Registry

(12:20 - 12:40) Patient interview
Dr Nandini Sadasivam, Consultant Haematologist, Manchester University Hospitals and Deputy Chair National Haemoglobinopathy Registry 
and Patient Mr Patrick Adedewe

(12:40- 13:10) Discussion

Industry showcase - In-exhibition learning - lecture theatre

(11:40- 12:00) Presentation

(12:00- 13:00) Industry showcase - check out the latest on what industry have to offer

Panel discussion

This session is organised by the Association of Anaesthetists is optional, non-sponsored, and not part of the scientific content.

__________________________

(11:40 - 13:10) Shortlisted ePoster presentations - Exhibition hall - ePoster stands

Audit, QI and survey
Case reports
Education and training
13:10-14:40

Lunch / exhibition / ePosters 
14:40 - 16:10

Stream A (Hall 1A) 

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - exhibition hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

W6a: Aintree airways - sim session
Chair: TBC

W6b: Association guidelines: up-dates and implementation in practice
Chair: TBC

W6c: Inclusive care in practice: Meeting diverse patient needs
Chair: TBC

W6d: Shortlisted ePoster presentations - Exhibition hall - ePoster stands

(14:40 - 16:10) Simulation
Dr Peter Groom, Liverpool and colleagues

A dynamic simulation session showcasing how the Liverpool Head and Neck Centre deliver cutting-edge training in emergency front of neck access (eFONA). Inspired by Formula 1 pit crew techniques and enhanced with sports psychology principles, the simulation will give delegates practical insights into managing critical airway emergencies.

(14:40- 14:55) Use of sterile surgical gowns in spinal anaesthesia
Dr Manpreet Bahra, Specialty Registrar and Dr Cliff Shelton, Consultant Anaesthetist, Wythenshaw Hospital and Professor or Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Lancaster Medical School

(14:55 - 15:10) Safer pre-hospital anaesthesia guideline

(15:10 - 15:25) Pero-operative fasting in adults and children*
Dr Matthew Checketts, Consultant

(15:25 - 15:40) Pre-operative assessment and patient preparation*
Prof Bill Fawcett, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Royal Surrey and Honorary Professor, University of Surrey

(15:40 - 15:55) Day case surgery*
Dr Rachel Tibble, Consultant, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton

(15:55 - 16:10) Discussion

*Please note discussion of these guidelines are dependent on publishing timeframes.

(14:40- 14:55) How can we improve the experience for deaf people using the NHS?
Dr Ann Harvey, Treliske

(14:55 - 15:10) Blind patients
TBC

(15:10 - 15:25) Caring for patients with cognitive and mental health needs
Dr Chloe Fairbairns, Consultant Anaesthetist, James Cook University Hospital

(15:25 - 15:40) A patient's perspective
Jess Plant

(15:40 - 16:10) Discussion

(14:40 - 16:10) Shortlisted ePoster presentations - Exhibition hall - ePoster stands

SAS audit
Original research
Roddie McNicol patient safety
15:45-16:30

Tea and coffee / exhibition / e-Posters 
16:30-17:50

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

W8a: Mandatory crisis training: preparing for the future
Chair: TBC

W8b: Advances in obstetric anaesthesia: risk, outcomes and decision-making (Irish Standing Committee session)
Chair: Dr John Loughrey, Associate Professor, The Rotunda Hospital

W8c: Chief technology officers / AI
Chair: TBC

W8e: Shortlisted ePoster presentations - Exhibition hall - ePoster stands

(16:50 - 17:05) Development of mandatory training in anaesthetic emergencies
Dr Jon Chambers, Consultant, Dorset County Hospital and Elected Council Member, RCoA

(17:05 - 17:20) 
TBC

(17:20 - 17:35) CALS training for cardiac placements
Dr Fu Yew Ng, Manchester

(17:35 - 17:50) Discussion

(16:50 - 17:05) Placenta accreta spectrum: trends and up-date
Professor Donal Brennan, Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UCD

(17:05 - 17:20) High risk obstetrics: Team decisions
Dr Noelle Healy, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Coombe Hospital, Dublin

(17:20 - 17:35) Obstetric anaesthesia audit: Meaningful metrics
Dr Robert Ffrench-O-Carroll, Consultant Anaesthesiologist, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin.

(17:35 - 17:50) Discussion

Content coming soon

(16:20 - 17:50) Shortlisted ePoster presentations - Exhibition hall - ePoster stands

Green star award
Non-shortlisted poster session

Day 2 - Thursday 17 September 2026

TIME PROGRAMME ITEM
08:00-08:45

Registration (Exhibition hall) / tea and coffee / exhibition 
08:45-09:30

Stream A (Hall 1A)

T1a: Keynote: 
Chair: TBC

Closing the gender health gap – why optimising women’s health benefits everyone in society
Prof Dame Lesley Regan, government advisor
09:35 - 10:55

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Resident Stream) (Room 3B)

AoA_Resident_Drs_logo_white.png

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

T2a: Trauma team - Simulation session
Chair: TBC

T2b: Ethics in practice: consent, futility and end-of-life care
Chair: TBC

T2c: Power, hierarchy and psychological safety
Chair: TBC

T2d: Oral poster presentations - In-exhibition learning - lecture theatre

Content coming soon

(09:35 - 09:55) Futility decision-making in anaesthesia and critical care medicine
Dr Emma Temple, Consultant in Neuroanaesthesia and Neuro Critical Care, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

(09:55 - 10:15) Consent guideline
Prof Clifford Shelton, Consultant Anaesthetist, Wythenshawe Hospital and Professor in Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Lancaster Medical School

(10:15 - 10:35) Propofol for end of life care
Dr Thomas Donaldson, Consultant, Countess of Chester Hospital

(10:35 - 10:55) Discussion

(09:35 - 09:55) The current landscape of sexual misconduct in surgery and anaesthesia
Dr Chelcie Jewitt

(09:55 - 10:15) The magnitude of the problem
Dr James Brooks, ST6 Anaesthetics Registrar, Severn Deanery and Association of Anaesthetists Resident Doctors Committee Chair

(10:15 - 10:35) Practical bystander/allyship
Dr Bijal Ogara, Consultant Anaesthetist, Torbay and South Devon

(10:35 - 10:55) Discussion

Audit, QI and survey
10:55-11:40

Tea and coffee / exhibition / ePosters
11:40-13:00

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Resident Stream) (Room 3B)

AoA_Resident_Drs_logo_white.png

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

T4a: Paediatrics
Chair: TBC

T4b: Anaesthesia in low income countries
Chair: TBC

T4c: Off the beaten path
Chair: TBC

T4d: Oral poster presentations - In-exhibition learning - lecture theatre

(11:40 - 12:00) Paediatric regional anaesthesia for day surgery
Dr Steve Roberts, Alder Hey Children's Hospital

(12:00 - 12:20) Congenital heart disease and non cardiac surgery – when should I worry?
Dr Mark Dunham, Alder Hey Children's Hospital

(12:20 - 12:40) Rethinking paediatric eFONA
Dr Alasdair Howie, Consultant, Alder Hey Children's Hospital

(12:40 - 13:00) Discussion

Global maternal deaths
Prof Andrew Weeks, University of Liverpool

Further content TBC

(11:40 - 12:00) Experiences working abroad
Dr Mina Arsanious

(12:00 - 12:20) Designing a portfolio career
Dr Niki Odeleye, Consultant Anaesthetist, London

(12:20 - 12:40) More than just a training number: Purpose, portfolio, passion and possibility
Dr Daniel Olaiya

(12:40 - 13:00) Discussion

Case reports
13:00-14:30

Lunch, tea, coffee, exhibition and ePosters
14:30-15:50

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Steam C (Resident stream) (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

T6a: Veterinary anaesthesia: challenges across species and systems
Chair: TBC

T6b: Neuromuscular
Chair: TBC

T6c: Physician, heal thyself

T6d: Oral poster presentations - In-exhibition learning - lecture theatre

(14:30 - 14:50) Large animal anaesthesia
Prof David Bardell, Professor in Veterinary Anaesthesia, University of Liverpool

(14:50 - 15:10) Acute anaesthesia
Mr Filipe Lalanda Madruga, Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Merseyside

(15:10 - 15:30) Comparative airway management
Prof Bryony Alderson, Head of the Small Animal Anaesthesia, University of Liverpool

(15:30 - 15:50) Discussion

(14:30 - 14:50) Processed EEG and the poorly brain

(14:50 - 15:10) Functional neurological deficit – why do anaesthetists need to know about this?

(15:10 - 15:30) The thrombectomy revolution- What are we learning and is the service meeting demand?

(15:30 - 15:50) Discussion

(14:30 - 14:50) Addiction in medicine - prevalence, recognition and confidential support pathways
Dr Mark Wrigley, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

(14:50 - 15:10) When high performance becomes harmful - warning signs and professional consequences
Dr Aditi Tandon, Consultant, Liverpool University Hospital

(15:10 - 15:30) Practical nervous system regulation strategies for acute care clinicians
Dr Nicola Stoke

(15:30 - 15:50) Discussion

Education and training
15:50-16:35

Tea and coffee / exhibition / ePosters 
16:35-17:55

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Resident Stream) (Room 3B)

AoA_Resident_Drs_logo_white.png

Stream D (In-Exhibition Learning)

T8a: Financial literacy
Chair: TBC

T8b: SAS Session
Chair: TBC

T8c: Designing a sustainable career
Chair: TBC


Content coming soon

(16:35 - 16:55) Dealing with failure
Dr Mark Clayton, Specialty Doctor, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital

(16:55 - 17:15) The portfolio pathway, my journey
Dr Gillian Rennie, Trust Doctor, Hammersmith Hospital

(17:15 - 17:35) Specialist regrading, the Scottish experience
Dr Ruwaida Khan, Specialty Doctor, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

(17:35 - 17:55) Discussion

(16:35 - 16:55) Getting a consultant job and what no one tells you about your first year post-CCT
Dr Hefin Llewellyn, Consultant Anaesthetist, Leighton Hospital

(16:55 - 17:15) Less than full time
Dr Victoria Scott-Warren, Manchester

(17:15 - 17:35) What's next after FRCA
Dr Julian Barker, Consultant, Wythenshaw Hospital

(17:35 - 17:55) Discussion

Original research
17:55-19:00

Networking drink reception
(Included in registration fee. Not part of the scientific programme. More details here)
19:00 - 22:30

Conference dinner (more information here)

The dinner is not included in the delegate registration fee and is not part of the official conference programme. It is a fully optional, self-funded social event with no sponsorship involvement. Spaces are limited and separate booking is required.

Day 3 - Friday 18 September 2026

TIME PROGRAMME ITEM
08.00-08.30

Registration (Exhibition hall) / tea and coffee / exhibition 
08:30-09:40

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Theatre)

F1a: Anaesthesia journal session: showcasing the best of the last year
Chair: TBC

F1b: Celebrating 15 years of SAFE
Chair: TBC

F1c: Inclusivity - what lessons can we learn? (Scottish Standing Committee session)
Chair: TBC


(08:30 - 08:50) ASA physical status
Dr David Mayhew, Liverpool

(08:50 - 09:10) Peri-operative research; the PROTECT Platform trial
Dr Caroline Thomas, Consultant in Anaesthesia, St James's University Hospital

(09:10 - 09:30) Labour epidurals and the developing brain: examining childhood behavioural and neurological outcomes
Prof Rachel Kearns, Consultant, Glasgow Royal Infirmary

(09:30 - 09:40) Discussion

(08:30 - 08:50) 15 years of SAFE and still going strong

(08:50 - 09:10) SAFE Paeds Great Britain and Ireland course - the journey
Dr Sam Lyons, Consultant, Gloucestershire Hospitals and Rachel Freedman, Consultant, St Mary's Hospital

(09:10 - 09:30) Impact stories from around the globe - a panel discussion

(09:30 - 09:40) Discussion

(08:30 - 08:50) Acculturation and social connections for International Medical Graduates
Prof Mo Al Haddad, Consultant, Glasgow Royal Infirmary

(08:50 - 09:10) Inequalities - regional blocks
Dr Naomi Freeman, Consultant, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

(09:10 - 09:30) Sexism in the workplace
Rosaleen Baruah, Consultant, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

(09:30 - 09:40) Discussion
09:45-10:30

Stream A (Hall 1A)

F2a: Keynote
Chair: TBC

The burnout cliff in anaesthesia: and how we step back from it
Dr Richard Duggins, Author and Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear

This session takes an honest look at what it really means to stay well as a doctor. Instead of quick fixes or slogans, we’ll explore the lived reality of working in modern medicine, and how burnout and the emotional labour of care can build up quietly over time. Drawing on clinical insights and work with thousands of health professionals, we’ll look at what makes the difference. This is about giving people time and permission to think clearly about their own wellbeing, and how we can look out for each other along the way.
10:30 - 11:10

Tea and coffee / exhibition / ePoster
11:10 - 12:20

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Theatre)

F3a: Transfers medicine for the anaesthetist
Chair: TBC

F3b: Conversation café

Chair: TBC

F3c: Women's health

Chair: TBC



(11:10 - 11:30) Transfers of patients with an acute brain injury
Dr Nicholas Coffin, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Russell Hall Hospital

(11:30 - 11:50) Training for transfers and the new ICS guideline
Dr Emma Temple, Consultant in Neuroanaesthesia and Neuro Critical Care, Sheffield Teaching Hospital

(11:50- 12:10) Pre-hospital/trauma transfer medicine
Dr Ian Tyrrell-Marsh, Manchester

(12:10 - 12:20) Discussion

Explore the realities of anaesthetic practice in this facilitated small-group session. Using structured prompts, participants reflect on professional culture, decision-making, and leadership norms that aren’t taught in formal training. Share experiences, gain fresh perspectives, and leave with insights to navigate everyday challenges more effectively. 

Coffee, pastries will be provided, just like a real café!

(11:10 - 11:30) Successful return to work in anaesthesia after maternity leave what clinicians, departments and organisations can do
Prof Kara Allen, Head of Education and Specialist Anaesthetist, The Royal Melbourne Hospital

(11:30 - 11:50) Women's health the evolution
Helen Tomlinson, Former Government Menopause Employment Champion

(11:50 - 12:10) Influence of gender on a career in anaesthesia
Prof Gudrun Kunst, Consultant, Kings College Hospital

(12:10 - 12:20) Discussion


12:20-13:50

Lunch /exhibition /ePosters 
13:50-15:00

Stream A (Hall 1A)

Stream B (Hall 2 N/F - Exhibition Hall)

Stream C (Room 3B)

Stream D (In-Exhibition Theatre)

F5a: When airways get difficult: lesson from Aintree
Chair: TBC

F5b: Advances in regional anaesthesia and acute pain management
Chair: TBC

F5c: Independent session
Chair: TBC


(13:50 - 14:05) Managing a post-operative neck haematoma following carotid endarterectomy
Dr Peter Groom, Aintree University Hospital

(14:05 - 14:20) Management of the anticipated difficult airway in children
Dr Richard Craig, Consultant, Alder Hey Children's Hospital

(14:20 - 14:35) How good are we at awake intubation? Technical success, training, patient experience and the challenges of measuring performance
Dr Jon Blackshaw, Liverpool

(13:50 - 14:10) Awake breast surgery
Dr Sara Mistry, Consultant, Wythenshawe Hospital

(14:10 - 14:30) The current and the cold: Is there evidence for emerging treatments in acute pain?
Dr Vivian Ip, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

(14:30 - 14:50) Up-date on NAP-8
Dr Sofia Da Costa Rosas, Glasgow

(14:50 - 15:00) Discussion

Content coming soon
15:00 - 15:40

Tea, coffee, exhibition and ePosters
15:40 - 16:40

Stream A (Hall 1A)

F7a: Heated debate - this house believes that we don't need anymore airway guidelines
Chair: TBC

(15:40 - 16:00) Arguing against
Dr Fauzia Mir, Consultant, St George's Hospital, London and Honorary Treasurer, Difficult Airway Society

(16:00 - 16:20) Arguing for - The safest airway departments are not those with the most guidelines, but those with the best culture
Dr Simon Mercer, Honorary Consultant Anaesthetist, University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and Senior Clinical Lecturer, Edge Hill University Medical School

Simon Mercer is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool where he has an interest in Difficult Airway, Complex Trauma and Vascular Surgery. Simon has held several senior roles in Medical Education including Head of School for the North West School of Anaesthesia and Director of Medical Education at Aintree Hospital. Simon is currently a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the new Medical School at Edge Hill University. Simon served for 20 years in the Royal Navy and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as spending time on ships and submarines. 

(16:20 - 16:40) Discussion
16:40

Close of conference