The North West Branch Annual Conference returns on 24 June 2026 at the Mercure Manchester Norton Grange Hotel, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers and industry experts for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovation in infection prevention and control.
Throughout the day, delegates will have the opportunity to network with peers, share best practice, and engage with exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services and solutions supporting infection prevention.
Whether you are working in clinical practice, research or healthcare leadership, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge, gain practical insights and connect with colleagues across the North West region.
Agenda – click here to download a PDF of the agenda
09:30-10:00 Registration and exhibition viewing
10:00-10:05 Welcome and housekeeping – Melissa Franklin, IPS North West Branch Co-ordinator
10:05-10:45 Preventing Healthcare-Acquired Pneumonia: Translating Evidence into Everyday Care – Martin Kiernan, Visiting Professor, Infection Prevention, Richard Wells Research Centre, University of West London
10:45-11:25 Beyond Visible Clean: Revealing Hidden Contamination in Ambulance Environments and its Relevance to Infection Prevention Practice – Dr Sarah Fieldhouse, Associate Professor of Forensic Science, University of Staffordshire and Dr Emmanuel Babafemi, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science, University of Staffordshire
11:25-11:55 Refreshments and exhibition viewing
11:55-12:35 Bringing nature indoors: an infection risk or a health opportunity – Sarah Jordan, Green Space for Health Project Manager, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and Matthew Ross, Nature Recovery Ranger for Stockport, Tameside and Glossop
12:35-13:15 Case Study: Meningococcal B outbreak in a Specialist Support School North Manchester 2025 – Helen Fabrizio, Deputy Lead Nurse – Health Protection, Manchester City Council
13:15-14:15 Lunch and exhibition viewing
14:15-14:20 Afternoon welcome
14:20-15:00 Air we go again: ventilation for safe environments – Lesley McKay, Associate Chief Nurse, Infection Prevention and Control Department, North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust
15:00-15:40 Antimicrobial Stewardship – Gillian Damant, Regional Deputy Pharmacist and Regional Antimicrobial Stewardship Lead (North West), NHS England
15:40-16:10 Back to the future – Fiona Tordoff, CEO, Infection Prevention Society
16:10-16:20 Closing remarks
