MedComms Networking is a not-for-profit initiative building on the work of Peter Llewellyn which seeks to unite individuals and organisations involved in delivering health information. We will do this by listening and by delivering a weekly newsletter and regular online and in-person events. Our group welcomes writers, scientists, editors, educators, project managers, filmmakers, medical journalists, healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, and patient advocates from around the world to join us. The aim is to inform, educate and advance our profession and, ultimately, support patient care.
To round off a crazy year, we ran a final end of year #MedComms educational forum with Christmas quiz, mince pies and networking. We ran it as a Zoom meeting.
The ongoing pandemic and move to homeworking has been a challenge for companies and staff. The recent MedComms survey of 758 respondents (presented 17 June 2020) suggested that while many employees welcomed the change, others struggled with isolation, lack of support and strained finances.
Programme:
14:00-14:50 During the first half of our educational forum we explored the contradictions of home working and seek the experiences of a range of stakeholders.
Peter Llewellyn (NetworkPharma) and Steven Walker (St Gilesmedical) - Introduction
Tim Hardman (Niche Science and Technology): Results of the MedComms survey - findings, contradictions and questions
Rob Davies (Havas SO) - Am I surprised with the results?
Rebecca Douglas (Ashfield) - Training from home: evolving the story
Susie Marriott and May Vaja - Recruiting and joining remotely: The Prime Global experience
Break for 10 minutes
15:00-15:50 The second part of our programme looks at how we can improve homeworking. Issues addressed include room ergonomics, health and safety, good mental health, finances, human resources and contracts, mutual support, maintaining company ethos and socialising on line.
Karina Rudzinska (Lucid) - Employee wellbeing in the times of a global pandemic: through the lens of a Human Resources professional
Dr Christine Oesterling (GP Principal) - Working from home and mental health
Christian Hambly (FreelanceGeek) - Working from home or living at work? A Geek's guide to thriving rather than just surviving
Iain Smith (Network for Skills) - Why I've had enough with this working from home rubbish
Steven Walker (St Gilesmedical) - Discussion. Do we need a 'Homeworking Charter'?
Break for 10 minutes
The afternoon ended with a Christmas quiz and prizes, plus networking breakout rooms to chat and socialise.
To make sure you're included in announcements about future events just email Peter Llewellyn, if you haven't already done so, to register your interest.
