Welcome to the NHS Confederation 2010 annual conference and exhibition, Local leadership, national service. The key question for all of us working in and around the NHS will be this: how can we continue to drive up quality care for patients in the NHS within the context of an increasingly difficult financial outlook?
The next three days of debate, workshops, speeches and informal networking and discussion will focus on this key question. I truly believe that the strength of the NHS Confederation conference is the opportunity for the leaders of NHS organisations to come together, to share best practice from across the country, and to debate how best to innovate locally so we can drive improvements in the system and enhance the quality of care for patients.
During our plenary sessions we will hear from the new secretary of state for health Andrew Lansley, NHS chief executive David Nicholson and a host of other influential and inspirational speakers.
Our exhibition is larger than ever, providing opportunities for informal discussion and engagement with partners and colleagues within and outside the NHS. I also urge you to visit the NHS Confederation stand (H53) to hear more about what we will be doing to support our members in the coming year.
Finally, I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next three days, and I hope that you have a productive conference.
Sir Keith Pearson
Chair
NHS Confederation