Dr Helen Lawal will be headlining a day of healthcare celebration

Doctor and health coach Helen Lawal will be the guest speaker at Dorset Healthcare's Annual Members' Meeting (AAM) next month. (sept)

The day of events will celebrate this year's 70th anniversary of the NHS, spotlighting staff achievements and innovative ideas to improve patient care.

The day is open to the public and free to attend but places are limited, so people are advised to book in advance.

Dorset HealthCare provides NHS inpatient and community-based care across Dorset, covering both physical and mental health, including 12 community hospitals. The AMM brings together members, patients, staff and the wider public to reflect on the work of the past 12 months and look to the year ahead.

The keynote speech is always a highlight of the event, and this year is no exception.

Dr Lawal is a GP who has co-presented two Channel 4 series, How To Stay Well and Food Unwrapped. This summer she joined presenter Jo Brand as the in-house medical expert on the new BBC Two quiz series, Britain’s Best Junior Doctor.

She works across both the NHS and private sectors to set up lifestyle medicine clinics and wellness centres. Nigerian born and Yorkshire bred, Dr Lawal is also a keen health and lifestyle blogger, loves Yoga and practices mindfulness and meditation.

The day will kick off with the 2018 Dragons’ Den final, where staff pitch innovative proposals to improve patient care, with up to £10,000 in funding available to develop the best ideas. Last year’s winners have established music sessions for young people with mental health problems and tango dance classes to help people regain their mobility after operations.

Chief Executive Ron Shields will lead reflections on the past year at Dorset HealthCare and look ahead to future developments before a buffet at 5.30pm, with Dr Lawal taking to the stage at around 6.30pm.

And the day will round off with the 2018 Heroes Awards, recognising Trust staff nominated for outstanding work and achievements across eight categories.

Trust chairman, Andy Willis said: “All the fanfare around the 70th anniversary of the NHS has provided a reminder of how much Dorset HealthCare is appreciated and valued by people from all walks of life.

“Our AMM day of events will celebrate our history and the ongoing excellence of our staff, and also look ahead to the future. Having Dr Helen Lawal as our keynote speaker is the icing on the cake.

“It promises to be an inspirational, fascinating day. Everyone is welcome, so please come along and find out more about our Trust.”

It will be held at The Lighthouse in Poole on Wednesday, September 12.

Find out more and book your place at dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/amm or call 01202 277085.