News
2018-19 subscription year - a message from AAPT Chair
Once again another year has flown by and it is renewal time for your AAPT membership
Membership fees have once more been kept at the same level as last year and it was agreed that those enrolled on the first year of the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology course would pay a reduced rate of £10 for this subscription year.
No anticipated large investments this year has allowed the freezing of the membership fees which offers exceptional value for money. Previous investment in the new website has seen a great improvement accessing and navigating the site and it is user friendly on many different platforms. Debbie James, in her new role as treasurer, has made some changes and by adopting Sage software she will now generate all invoices in communication with our Secretary, Christian Burt.
Last summer the online CPD Scheme went live and from all the feedback received has been a great success. Easily accessible, events can be added to your CPD profile via mobile phone when you are attending the event and then updated later. AAPT have also increased the number of CPD Assessors in order to ensure we can meet the expected increase in submissions over the next few months.
With the introduction of the new website we no longer have an online forum but the Facebook Group Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology has proved popular; this is a closed group for AAPT members only and is popular for getting questions answered promptly and seeking advice.
Our Twitter account is also useful for keeping up to date with what’s going on and often relevant information from other professional groups will be retweeted to keep members informed; likewise it is pleasing to see we are regularly retweeted by partner organisations such as RCPath and IBMS. If you have any problems with the social media sites contact Christian at Coldbath Square and he will ensure you have all the links.
2017 once again saw a busy diary and AAPT were represented at many meetings and events across the country. As part of your membership you receive reduced fees, or free entry, to AAPT training events. These prove popular and many are indeed hosted in London as this is an easy place for many to access. If you think you would benefit from an event being held in your area then we may be able to help if you can provide accommodation and a minimum number of delegates.
Mortuary Managers, Mentors and Assessors have all had tailored events for training and discussion as well a DVI awareness day. As ever the very popular Consent Training Day was well attended and will remain a permanent fixture on the calendar.
Last year saw AAPT venture to Cardiff in Wales for our annual Conference; an excellent programme and venue will once again provide the benchmark for this year’s event. There were interesting talks, many from a Welsh perspective, including the difference in Transplant legislation. The annual poster competition was won by the team from NHS Lothian, meaning that for the first time the trophy has been won by a team not from Eastbourne; I anticipate some competition this year!
Booking is now open and the programme being finalised for the 14th annual conference which be held on Saturday 29th September in London at the Holiday Inn Regents Park.
AAPT will be looking for nominations to join Council this year and I would encourage anyone who thinks they have the enthusiasm, areas of specialist knowledge, as well as a little bit of time to bring something to the Council to complete a nomination form when the announcement is made.
A broad range of professional knowledge and experience is required so applications are welcome from APTs working in all sectors.
I know we have all had a very busy start to the year with the unprecedented winter pressures and I can only thank members for the continued support of AAPT and also the support for each other, through often difficult times.
On behalf of the AAPT Council I would like to convey our best wishes to all members for the forthcoming AAPT year and hope that this year we can continue to take the profession forward and promote our common professional goals.
Mrs Ishbel Gall FAAPT
Chair