Women’s Health Under the Microscope at Gynaecology Event

BCIMO was delighted to welcome members of the Birmingham & Midland Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society (BMOGS) to Dudley last week for their Spring Meeting.

The day began with a welcome and introduction to the meeting and agenda from co-hosts, President Dr. Jane Panikkar and event convenor Mr. Eric Watson, including a light-hearted insight into the past and present of Dudley as a new host location for their bi-annual conference. 

Over the course of the morning, there were a range of talks on key practice topics and current research themes, beginning with Dr. Catherine Coward, on the role and potential benefits of testosterone in treating the symptoms of menopause. Further presentations and discussions included from Dr. Nicole Pilarski, Professor Hassan Sehata, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, Dr. Rebecca Man and Dr. Purnima Dalal Parmar, on aspects of maternal health within pre and perinatal care, including gestational diabetes, maternal cardiomyopathy and breast cancer. The final word of the morning was a very personal reflection, as Professor Alex Heazell recounted his own career journey into a specialism in pregnancy complications and stillbirth.  

An update from the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists focused on discussions around their series of global health priorities, including the Making Abortion Safe programme within countries across Africa, the Gynaecological Health Matters programme in Bangladesh, and training to combat FGM practices in Egypt. It also outlined the College’s work with the Economic & Social Council of the UN on global advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights, within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals framework. 

Lunch provided an opportunity for delegates to both network and to visit stands within the Exhibition Hall, which included a variety of technologies, including from Applied Medical, Helica, Ryeqo, Sonata and Storz. 

The afternoon agenda then included talks from Dr. Jack Lowe-Zinola, Dr. Natalie Grant and Dr. Naomi Black on aspects of ovarian and cervical health; followed by a final and again personal perspective on a career journey to a specialism in intrauterine contraception from Mr. Eric Watson. Prior to close and thanks, the delegates also welcomed CEO Neil Fulton to talk about BCIMO, its mission and facilities. 

Overall, it was a really insightful day, and a real pleasure for BCIMO to host. Whilst the Centre is often home to events within the scope of innovation, sustainability and transport, its range of Meeting & Event Spaces are ideal for a wide variety of different gatherings from catch-ups to conferences, across all industries and organisations looking for a great location in the heart of the Midlands. 

Meeting and Event Spaces at BCIMO 

The Exhibition Hall is the perfect space for large events, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two aspects, including a paved balcony overlooking the Rail Development & Test Site. It offers a flexible space of 245m2, which can be used for stands or activities, or with seating for up to 173 guests in a variety of layouts including U-shaped, theatre and cabaret style. Its heating and air conditioning makes it ideal for events throughout the year, and it has and can accommodate a range of technology with LED screens, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The space also includes a reception desk for sign-in and adjacent seating area for arrivals to meet. 

Adjacent to the Hall is the Auditorium, which is equipped with state-of-the-art theatre audio-visual and lighting systems, plus flexible staging, and so is ideal for presentations and deliveries across different formats. Again, seating and tables can be arranged within the 150m2 space prior to arrival in a variety of styles or removed, with a capacity of 170 standing or up to 130 seated. Utilised alongside the Exhibition Hall, it offers the perfect combined venue for a large multi-purpose daytime or evening event.

Booked individually or indeed as additional breakout spaces for a larger event, the facilities also include a suite of Meeting Rooms, including a large, flexible 42m2 room ideal for training and workshops and a comfortable board room for up to 12, plus two similar style smaller rooms for up to 10. All are fitted with OLED HDR screens, including remote connection or via HDMI, and glass ‘whiteboards’; and are also heated and air-conditioned, with dimmable lighting. 

To create the perfect event or meeting for your guests, the Events team can also arrange catering throughout, from refreshments, to breakfast or lunch, including pastries, sandwiches and snacks, to a full table buffet; and all can accommodate all dietary requirements as needed. 

Reflecting on the BMOGS event, Helena Davies, Events Manager at BCIMO, said: 

“It was fantastic to host this event at BCIMO. It was a first for us to host a medical conference and it shows that our Meeting & Event Spaces are perfect for any category of conference or event. The event utilised both the auditorium and the exhibition hall, which was the perfect space to showcase medical equipment.” 

Expressing her thanks, Julia Arnold, PGME Co-ordinator / Education Centre Manager at Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“From my perspective the venue was excellent, the whole team were so helpful and approachable throughout the day, nothing was too much trouble. The facilities on site are excellent and it really helped having your IT/Technical support during the day. I would definitely recommend this venue. With many thanks to both yourself and Emily for making us feel so welcome.” 

For more information on BCIMO and the Clean Futures Programme please visit the BCIMO website or Contact Us to make an enquiry.