Emergency medicine experts to gather in Christchurch

Emergency medicine experts to gather in Christchurch

24 May 2019

Christchurch knows just how important emergency medicine is. Experts who can identify the critically injured and provide safe and effective immediate care have saved countless lives and helped to pull our city through some of the toughest times.

It is fitting therefore that Christchurch has been selected to host over 1,000 emergency medicine professionals for the 2021 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Annual Scientific Meeting.

The five day conference, to be held in the currently under-construction convention centre Te Pae, will welcome participants from Australia and New Zealand in November 2021.

In selecting Christchurch as the host city, event organisers were particularly impressed with the Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct which integrates world-class healthcare, research, innovation, education and industry with a strong emphasis on population health.

“Christchurch offers the chance for specialist emergency physicians across Australia and New Zealand to visit and learn how the city has rebuilt and expanded,” said Dr John Bonning, President-Elect of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

“In addition, the collaboration and ongoing work of health and government related bodies through the Health Precinct gives an opportunity to share this with our Fellows, trainees and other health professionals.

“As well, Christchurch is a stunning getaway rich with outdoor activities, arts and culture and so much for families and individuals to enjoy.”

The Christchurch event will be an opportunity to showcase other aspects of the Health Precinct including a new purpose-built clinical simulation centre, a new design lab specialising in supporting transformation care and a new acute services building.

Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Anna Fennessy said securing the event was a great win for the city and New Zealand.

“International conferences like this one have the potential to leave positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities that host them and the rest of New Zealand. New Zealand’s expertise in emergency medicine will increase through this knowledge share opportunity, benefiting New Zealander's in times of their greatest need.”

Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction said delegates attending the conference will include physicians who often work in a very busy and demanding environment.

“We’d like to encourage the delegates to take the opportunity to unwind and soak up Ōtautahi’s vibrant hospitality scene, our world-famous street art, burgeoning retail and shopping precinct and explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the city.”

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