Firstly, my apologies to those on this list who are getting two versions
of this message.
I have left the history in place as it may be news to some of you ...
Nearly thirty years ago Professor Tom Whitehead conceived the following
idea:
"It is proposed to hold a meeting of people throughout Europe who are
actively engaged in or concerned with computing in clinical laboratories.
We have felt for some time that there is insufficient communication
between such people and that time spent together in the interchange of
ideas could be mutually beneficial ... consideration could also be given
to the organization of further meetings." (ACB News Sheet December 1974; 5)
This led to the first conference on Computing in Clinical Laboratories
(CCL), which was held in Birmingham in September 1975, and expertly
organized by Margaret Peters. Two further conferences were held in
Birmingham in 1997 and 1980, and CCL then set out on a grand tour of
Europe guided and organized by its Scientific Advisory Group (see
www.ccl-online.org).
The 15th CCL conference has returned to England, and will take place at
the University of Surrey from 23rd to 26th June this year. The organisers
are hoping for a good turnout from the home side, and all those attending
Focus will have received a flyer in their delegate pack.
As the CCL mission statement makes clear it is not just a gathering of
computing enthusiasts - it reaches out to all those concerned with the
processing, distribution and presentation of clinical laboratory results.
The potential impact of NPfIT on both the production of results
(laboratory information systems) and their dissemination (moving from
paper reports to electronic distribution via hospital and GP systems and
the national data spine) makes it vital to be well informed in this area -
and there is surely no better way to do this than to attend CCL in
Guildford next month?
The conference rates have been kept as reasonable and all inclusive as
possible - full details and a booking form can be downloaded from the web
site (www.ccl2004.net/index.html).
There is still time to register, and if you cannot come yourself why not
try to persuade a colleague? Also, if you have something innovative to
share why not consider submitting a poster or short presentation?
As the ACB was in at the start, so to speak, it would be good to have it
well represented at CCL on its return to the UK.
A hard core of ACB IT members have attended CCL meetings over the years -
so where are you now? Please sign up without delay and support the cause!
Hoping to see you in June,
Ian Wells (UK organizer, CCL2004)
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01483 464039
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