What is the Purpose?

As these meetings have evolved, it seems that there are three main benefits:

• Open discussion

• Educational presentations

• Meeting colleagues

Open discussion can only really happen in a relaxed atmosphere. Going to some meetings can be a formal experience, and the participants attending the meeting may react differently. Some may dominate, while others are hesitant to express their views.

Committee procedure allows everyone to know that, at some stage, they will have an opportunity to add their opinion. So, although outwardly, it may seem formal, in fact it makes discussion more relaxed as you know that there will be an opportunity to voice your point of view if you want to.

Following an Agenda, item by item, means that everybody is aware of what is being discussed. If the subject strays from the Agenda, then that additional subject can be discussed later in the meeting under “Any Other Business”.

If it appears that there is insufficient time to complete a debate at any stage, then that subject becomes an Agenda item at a subsequent meeting.

This form of discussion is realistic. Although there may not be an immediate answer, it is essential to recognise what problems exist. A Doctor cannot give treatment without a good diagnosis. That applies to individual patients and to Healthcare Provision on a large scale.

There is often a variance of opinion between administrators, accountants, and clinicians. There can even be a variance of opinion between Doctors dealing every day with patients, and Doctors involved in academic work. Friendly discussion helps us all to think things through.

But it is not always necessary to actively take part in a discussion. In fact, while you are talking, you are not learning anything. Part of any meaningful discussion is to listen. So to come to a meeting and just listen can be rewarding.

Educational presentations have become an important part of these meetings. This has evolved in a special way. Presentations or lectures are commonly given just for the benefit of those attending. But recording the substance of a lecture has enabled us to send out a record of the presentation to those who could not attend. Fortunately, having those records has been an essential part of building this website.

Part of a good lecture is the question and answer session afterwards. In many cases, there is too much subject matter to be able to cover everything, so it is good to be able to ask an expert about your specific problem; that may well lead to further debate, which is even more helpful. It may also lead to asking the lecturer to return for another lecture.

Meeting colleagues is always valuable. We all meet people from our own environment regularly; but to meet others with similar interests from other organisations can be the most useful part of the meeting.

We all have problems. It can be reassuring to find that, very often, we all have the same problems. Sharing experiences and exchanging information may well lead to establishing lasting cooperation between organisations.

So, meeting colleagues in a friendly atmosphere is possibly one of the most important parts of networking. You will be pleased to see them, but they will also be pleased to see you, so there is a double benefit.

Unfortunately, it is natural for busy people to look at the Agenda to decide if they should attend the meeting; but, just to have the opportunity to meet colleagues in a friendly atmosphere is actually an important part of networking.