Annual General Meetings - HealthWatch-UK

The HealthWatch Annual General Meeting

The Annual General meeting of HealthWatch will be held on the evening of Thursday 20th October 2016 at the Medical Society of London, 11 Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, London W1G 9EB (nearest Underground stations are Bond Street or Oxford Circus). As usual, the meeting is free and open to all, although only members may vote.

This year's HealthWatch Award will be presented to Dr Peter Gøtzsche, physician, medical researcher and leader of the Nordic Cochrane Centre.

The AGM will also include presentations of cheques for up to £500 each to the winners in the UK-wide HealthWatch Student Prize competition in which students of medicine and allied professions show their skills in assessing research protocols. Awards will be presented by Nick Ross.

There will be two additions to the regular programme this year.

An optional afternoon workshop, titled “Whither HealthWatch” will be an opportunity for members and friends of HealthWatch to review the aims and activities of our charity in its 28th year, and through structured group discussions we hope to help generate a new vision for the future. Those who would like to take part can apply for their place here.
We are honoured to host a celebration of the life of John Garrow, just before the main AGM. An eminent medical nutritionist, Professor Garrow was a founding member of HealthWatch, its several-times chairman and a man who fought for evidence with passion and style. Following his death in June this year, his family have agreed to hold this memorial toast. His friends and colleagues from all spheres of his life (not just HealthWatch) are warmly invited to attend. To help us with preparations, please confirm your attendance by registering here.

The programme for this year's HealthWatch AGM day

14:30-17:00 “Whither HealthWatch?” An optional afternoon strategy workshop for members and friends of HealthWatch. Apply for places here.

17:30-18:00 A celebration of the life of John Garrow. All who knew him are most welcome to attend, even if not connected to HealthWatch, and we invite you to confirm your attendance here. There is no compulsion to stay for the HealthWatch AGM and awards, but you are of course welcome if you wish to do so.

18:00 Welcome reception for the HealthWatch AGM (this and following events are open to all, no pre-registration required).

18:30 Annual General Meeting of HealthWatch. Note that only members of HealthWatch may vote.

18:50 Presentation of awards to winners of the Student Prize competition for critical analysis of clinical research protocols.

19:00 Presentation of the 2016 HealthWatch Award to Peter Gøtzsche.

20:00 Dinner - this is optional, cost £45.00 per person. Please pay in advance to secure your place. Book by email or letter to the Secretary, Prof David Bender, 8 Eagle Close, Amersham, Bucks HP6 6TD. Payment for the dinner may be by cheque (made out to "HealthWatch") or by bank transfer to Barclays Bank (BIC BARCGB22), sort code 20-21-78, account number 80463027, account in the name of HealthWatch.

If you pay by bank transfer, please kindly email the secretary, Prof David Bender, so that we know you have booked the dinner. Note: vegetarian and fish options are always available.

Nominations for committee

Nominations for officers and members of the committee must be submitted not less than 28 days before the AGM. There are currently two vacancies on the committee. Any member of HealthWatch can nominate an officer or ordinary member for the committee. Nominations should be seconded by another member, accompanied by a letter from the person nominated to state s/he accepts, and sent to the secretary, Prof David Bender, or by post to him at 8 Eagle Close, Amersham, Bucks HP6 6TD before September 15th.