Strength in the branches

Just over a month ago, the idea of a December general election was the stuff of speculation. With the poll now confirmed for 12 December, the government has moved into full election mode with a clampdown on policy communications.

However, the promises for the NHS and social care have featured prominently in party manifestos. It would seem that, whoever forms the next government, the NHS – particularly its workforce and funding needs – will be a top priority. This is a great opportunity for us and will form a big part of our agenda next year.

The pre-election period of sensitivity has had an unfortunate impact on the availability of national speakers lined up for the annual conference. But despite this setback and late changes, HFMA chief executive Mark Knight and the team have created a great programme. We have an inspiring and entertaining group of speakers in place.

December has also brought some light at the end of the NHS pension tunnel, with arrangements being made nationally for managing the tax implications for some groups of NHS staff. It’s a welcome development at this busy time of year for our patient facing services, though I’m sure we will hear more about how this gets implemented, particularly as the issue affects staff in various roles and pay grades.

This month also brings to a close my association branch visits, many of which I have made this autumn.

I have written before about how impressed I am with the way our branches are supported up and down the nation. Branches have also embraced my Value the opportunity theme.

All the branches do things a little differently – this is one of the strengths of the HFMA. The 13th and last branch conference, traditionally the Northern Ireland Branch, was held at the end of November in the Titanic Centre, Belfast. It was moving to hear Reach for the Stars – an inspirational choir including people with learning disabilities from the local Larne Adult Centre – entertaining us with seasonal and popular songs.

The Northern Ireland Branch conference was also an opportunity to congratulate Owen Harkin, currently Northern Ireland Branch chair, who will serve as national HFMA vice-president for Caroline Clarke in her year as national president 2019/20.

The Northern Ireland Branch will shortly elect a new chair to take over from Owen, and this reminded me that more than two-thirds of our branches have a new branch chair taking on the role in 2019/20. These are important local roles for the HFMA, and I ask you all to support your local branch chair and committee in the fantastic work they do.

I will be handing over my presidential duties to Caroline at the national conference, but it has been real privilege to have served as your president for the HFMA over the last year.

I have made many new friends during the year, and enjoyed the opportunity of seeing first-hand the great work you are doing across the country in the healthcare finance profession. Thank you all for your support.

Contact the president on [email protected]