Dear Hernia Friends,
Another year almost over. Where does the time go! And so much sadness on our doorstep. The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, to huge personal and financial loss to all involved. And the recent flare-up of the Israel and Palestine conflict makes the world an even more dangerous place. Our thoughts and concerns go out to all facing hardship, injury, and death in these and other conflicts around the world, and to all our #herniafriends in particular. Here’s hoping for a better and safer 2024.
Since the last newsletter, the updated inguinal hernia guidelines have been published. In addition, the Quality team has seen the BJS proof of their accepted paper defining a complex incisional hernia in the elective surgical setting. It will be online any day now. Remember, as a member, you have access to all BJS papers. The link is available through your membership page.
Are you getting ready for Prague 2024, 29–31 May? It’s almost time to start submitting your scientific abstracts. The abstract submission portal opens on 2 November. You do have some time, but note the important date for your diary. Abstract submission CLOSES 31 January, 2024. We are not planning any time extension to this, so start submitting your work now! Don’t miss the boat. You will find the abstract submission page here. Please add www.ehs2024.org to you favorites to keep up to date with all the details for what will be an out of the box meeting. A love of beer would be useful, but not essential for everyone. Watch out for more details! Have you raced in a dragon boat before? If not, you might soon have!
As part of the abstract submission, remember the BJS Prize. Prestige and BIG MONEY reward. Check out more on this at the website for the rules around eligibility and submission process. It could be you! Same deadline for paper submission to BJS or BJS Open as abstracts – 31 JANUARY, 2024. The opening date for submission to BJS or BJS Open was 1 October, 2023. The paper NEEDS to be submitted by the due date, and you are still eligible to be considered for the prize even if your paper is rejected by BJS or BJS Open.
We have new membership software linked to our website. If you pay your membership as an individual member, your membership runs for a year from the day you join or renew. Encourage all your colleagues and fellow professionals, nurses, physios, as well as your patients, to join! If your National Hernia Society includes EHS membership, then your year of membership will synch with the National Society. If your National Society does not collect your EHS membership fee, then consider lobbying their Board – membership is cheaper through the National Society if they collect your membership fee!
It’s also time to start submitting your applications for travel and research grants for 2024, as you will read later in this newsletter.
And lastly, FINAL NOTICE – CLOSING DATE 06 NOVEMBER, 2023: New Board positions for the Web, Congresses, and Science are open for application. See the advert here.
Andrew de Beaux
General Secretary
