Over 520 abstracts received for World Hospital Congress 2018 in Australia

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Over 520 abstracts have been received from 37 different nations for the International Hospital Federation’s 3-day World Hospital Congress to be held in Brisbane in October 2018.

The announcement was made by the nation’s peak public healthcare body, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), who are hosting the conference with partners Queensland Health.

‘This level of interest is extremely gratifying for Australia as the host nation, and reflects the appeal of the conference theme—“How can healthcare evolve to meet 21st century demands?”’, said AHHA Chief Executive Alison Verhoeven.

‘Issues such as unsustainable healthcare costs, increasing rates of chronic disease, ageing populations and a growing demand for healthcare services are challenges common to many nations around the world.

‘They are serious challenges that in many instances will require a complete re-imagining of how healthcare is delivered in hospitals and other settings.

‘Australia is ready to join the conversations, share our experiences and learn from other nations in seeking solutions to these issues’, Ms Verhoeven said.

Participants in 2018 will discuss drivers of healthcare policy, management, financial trends and solutions, as well as best-practice hospital and healthcare management and service delivery.

The Congress was last held in Australia in 1997 when it attracted over 1,300 delegates and 80 speakers.

This year’s Congress, to be held from 10 to 12 October 2018 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract around 2,000 delegates.

‘We are looking forward to this once-in-20-year opportunity to put on a congress that will inform, inspire, and strengthen long-term international collaboration’, Ms Verhoeven said.

‘With such a high level of interest shown already by 37 countries from A to Z (Australia to Zambia), we are certain this will be a signature event in world health in 2018, and an event to remember.

‘We strongly encourage all national and international hospital and healthcare leaders, and their staff and colleagues, as well as academics and students, to register’, Ms Verhoeven said.

Prominent international and Australian thought leaders in healthcare will launch the Congress program in late March 2018.

 

For more information on the World Hospital Congress, visit www.hospitalcongress2018.com.

For more information on the AHHA, visit http://ahha.asn.au.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association is the national peak body for public and not-for-profit hospitals, Primary Health Networks, and community and primary healthcare services.

Media enquiries: Alison Verhoeven, Chief Executive, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, 0403 282 501