Focus on the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS)
"The British Cardiovascular Society is dedicated to the promotion of cardiovascular health. We set standards, support health care professionals and work with patients, the public and partner organisations." (Mission Statement)
History & background
The British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) was founded in 1922 and has evolved into a complex organisation that plays a pivotal role in the delivery of cardiovascular health across the UK. There are currently over 1,400 ordinary members of the BCS. The membership is growing steadily and includes the great majority, probably 90%, of UK consultant cardiologists. Many Specialist registrars, GPs with a special interest and other professionals with an interest in cardiovascular medicine are also members.
Aims
BCS aims to support and represent all those working in the fields of cardiovascular care and research. To help achieve this aim, BCS is affiliated with 17 unique organisations that work in specific areas of cardiovascular medicine, health and patient care. Members of the affiliated groups, who are not also ordinary members of the BCS, are associate members of BCS and there are currently approximately 8,000 health care professionals in this category (including clinical and basic scientists, general practitioners, junior doctors, nurses, physiologists and all subspecialties of cardiovascular medicine). Together with their affiliated groups, BCS shares a broader mission to improve the care for patients with cardiovascular disease and form a powerful voice for UK cardiovascular health care professionals.
How do they achieve their mission
Their mission statement was drawn up in 2004/5 as part of a wide-ranging governance review and states that the Society will:
- set standards of excellence; for individuals, organisations and the care of patients with cardiovascular disease
- be committed to training and education, and support the practice, of professionals working within cardiovascular health, science and disease management
- be the primary source of professional advice and advocacy in these areas, to government, funding bodies and industry
- deliver these objectives in collaboration with patients, the public and partner organisations
Annual Scientific Conference and Exhibition
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Each year BCS runs a Scientific Conference and Exhibition. The conference has an informative and comprehensive programme that includes: |
- Plenary sessions
- Satellite sessions
- Key-note speakers
- Symposia
- Abstract presentations
- Cardiac technology day
- Nursing in cardiac care study day
- Educational stands
- Trainee CPD day
Entry to the conference is free for BCS members. Next year’s conference will be on 2 to 5 June 2008 and will be held in Manchester (UK). Their deadline for abstract submission is 1 December 2007.
Check their website for further details on the conference.
BCS International Membership
BCS International Membership gives you:
- A free subscription to "Heart online"
- Free access to CardioSource
- All notices and e-communications of the Society
- A reduced fee for attending the Annual Scientific Conference
To apply, contact enquiries@bcs.com or visit their website http://www.bcs.com/
How do BCS and the ESC interact?
BSC joined the ESC in 1950, along with the other "Founding Fathers of the ESC".
The British Cardiovascular Society is keen to collaborate with the ESC and to contribute to the core activities of their European partners through the working groups, the congress, guidelines, lobbying etc. Collectively the national societies that are part of the ESC, form a strong voice for change and progress within Cardiovascular medicine.