2026 Programme
Glasgow - 4th November
Double gloving and effective hand health are important considerations in maintaining patient and staff safety within the operating theatre. This session will examine the current evidence supporting double gloving, including its role in reducing glove perforation, blood exposure and the risk of cross-contamination. It will consider the importance of hand hygiene, skin integrity and glove selection, alongside relevant infection prevention and control guidance and professional recommendations. The session will also explore common challenges in clinical practice, including compliance, comfort and dexterity, and offer practical recommendations to support safer gloving practices and hand health across the multidisciplinary theatre team.
Last year we explored why psychological safety matters and the importance of speaking up. This session takes the conversation further, examining how everyday behaviours shape workplace culture, team performance and patient safety. Drawing on AfPP's journey from its Behaviours Charter to the #notjusta campaign, Jenny explores how respect, inclusion and psychological safety are created through action, not intention alone. Delegates will gain practical insights into reducing hierarchy, fostering trust and creating theatre environments where every team member feels valued, heard and empowered to contribute to safer patient care.
Hospital associated VTE is a leading cause of hospital related preventable deaths.
NICE guidelines recommends a systematic risk assessment and adequate timely prophylaxis (mechanical and therapeutic) for prevention.
London - 24th November
This presentation will explain how the 2026 gloving consensus document was developed and how recommendations relate to clinical practice. It will explain how hand health and surgical glove fit can impact on theatre performance, and how the use of double gloving, with the changing of outer gloves at key operative steps before glove barrier breach can reduce the risks of surgical site infections.
The presentation will also explore how these standards may be introduced within an busy operating department through engagement with key stakeholders, and how robust SSI surveillance can assist the implementation of these to improve theatre practice and patient outcomes.
Last year we explored why psychological safety matters and the importance of speaking up. This session takes the conversation further, examining how everyday behaviours shape workplace culture, team performance and patient safety. Drawing on AfPP's journey from its Behaviours Charter to the #notjusta campaign, Jenny explores how respect, inclusion and psychological safety are created through action, not intention alone. Delegates will gain practical insights into reducing hierarchy, fostering trust and creating theatre environments where every team member feels valued, heard and empowered to contribute to safer patient care.
This session will cover:
- Why VTE prevention is necessary
- How to prevent VTE, including risk assessment, prescribing of thromboprophylaxis - both pharmacological and mechanical
- Discussion around Hospital Acquired Thrombosis and why we collect the data
- What the theatre staff can do to help with VTE prevention