Well Buckingham | Well World - 250 years of rural health

Three and half years ago, I was inspired by an article in the Advertiser by Ed Grimsdale about a rather significant conference held in Buckingham in 1892. 125 years ago this year rural community nursing started here in our town. Today the Town Council convened a conference to celebrate that fact and look forward to the next 125 years.

The principal aim of the day was to address this question:

What now needs to be done to commission, harness and shape all the resources and assets in local rural communities so that all can enjoy good health and well-being throughout the full length of their lives?

Forty people attended to first hear three excellent presentations from Professor Viv Bennett CBE (Chief Nurse, Public Health England), Dr Jane O’Grady (Director of Public Health, Buckinghamshire) and Lou Patten (Chief Officer of Aylesbury Vale & Chiltern CCG’s, Buckinghamshire).

And then the conference used a process called 'Open Space Technology' to set the agenda for the remainder of the day. Here is the list of fifteen workshops that were created.

And then people got talking! (There will be report of the conference. If you would like a copy please email me: jonsharvey@ymail.com)

A good time was had and the participants found great value from the chance to debate these topics (set by them) as well as network with local people all working for a healthier north Bucks.

Here are a few pics from the day.