The programme
09:00
Doors Open: Morning Registration
Doors Open: Morning Registration
09:30
Dr Susan Alexander
IDrF President
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Fortius Clinic
This opening segment sets the context for the day, introducing the agenda and key challenges we’ll explore across midlife health and private provision.
- Outline goals and format of the event.
- Introduce core themes and speakers.
- Frame the importance of midlife health.
09:45
Reimagining Midlife Health
Professor Lord Ara Darzi
Co-Director
Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London
Speaker: Professor Lord Ara Darzi, Co-Director, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London
In this session, Lord Darzi shares a visionary framework for transforming midlife health through innovation, policy reform, and prevention-first strategies.
- Rethinking care delivery in midlife.
- Leveraging cross-sector collaboration.
- Elevating prevention over crisis response.
Pre-recorded Video Address
10:00
Health or Wealth? The Ethics of Private Provision
Dr Julia Grace Patterson
Chief Executive
EveryDoctor
Speaker: Dr Julia Patterson, Chief Executive, EveryDoctor
Dr Patterson will raise crucial ethical concerns around the expansion of private sector roles in UK healthcare, with a focus on equity, quality, and trust.
- Explore risks to public confidence.
- Question implications for clinical care.
- Consider ethics in mixed-model systems.
10:15
Private Practice Pulse: Central London Market Overview
Ted Townsend
Director
Townsend Strategic Advisory Services Ltd
Speaker: Ted Townsend, Director, Townsend Strategic Advisory Services Ltd
Ted will present new data and insights into London’s private healthcare landscape, analysing trends in patient funding and provider demographics.
- Break down PMI, self-pay, embassy markets.
- Map private GP locations and growth.
- Identify implications for today’s discussions.
10:30
The Future of General Practice in Private Medicine
Speaker: Dr Ajay Bagga, Private GP, Independent Doctors Federation
This session will explore the current realities and emerging opportunities within private general practice, with a GP’s personal perspective on challenges and change.
- Assess patient demand and expectations.
- Examine evolving care models.
- Understand growth in private GP services.
10:45
Smart Diagnostics: Fighting Cancer with Code
Dr Muhammad Babar Aslam
Consultant pathologist and clinical lead digital pathology Wales
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Speaker: Dr Muhammad Babar Aslam, Consultant Pathologist and Clinical Lead, Digital Pathology Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
In this session, Dr Aslam explores the power of digital pathology in transforming early cancer detection, particularly for midlife patients.
- Improve diagnostic accuracy with tech.
- Shorten time to treatment.
- Apply AI to boost cancer outcomes.
11:00
Re-designing Dementia Healthcare: A Blueprint for Brain Health
Laurence Geller CBE
Chairman
Geller Capital Partners
Speaker: Laurence Geller CBE
This session highlights new thinking in dementia care infrastructure, policy, and public engagement—with a focus on proactive midlife brain health strategies.
- Prioritise early cognitive health support.
- Address care system infrastructure.
- Influence policy and cultural perception.
11:15
Break & Brew: Morning Refreshments
A mid-morning break to recharge, connect, and reflect on the early sessions.
- Grab a coffee or tea.
- Network with fellow delegates.
- Prepare for the next session block.
11:45
Apps, Robotics and Delivery: Prescription Management in the Digital Age
Edward Ungar
CEO & Co-founder
Pharmacierge
Speaker: Edward Ungar, CEO & Co-founder, Pharmacierge
Edward will explore how digital platforms are transforming private prescription management—from access and adherence to delivery and patient empowerment.
- Reduce friction in medication fulfilment.
- Enhance adherence through tech.
- Support self-managing patients in midlife.
12:00
Navigating NHS Challenges: Strategic Collaboration with the Private Sector
Professor Sir Stephen Powis
National Medical Director
NHS England
Speaker: Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director, NHS England
In this session, we’ll examine key NHS pressure points and consider where the private sector can offer meaningful collaboration without compromising NHS values.
- Identify NHS capacity and workforce issues.
- Explore models for private collaboration.
- Ensure alignment with NHS principles.
12:15
The Role of Anaesthesia in Independent Practice
Professor William Harrop-Griffiths
Professor of Practice (Anaesthesia) & Consultant Anaesthetist
Imperial College, London
Speaker: Prof. William Harrop-Griffiths, Professor of Practice (Anaesthesia) & Consultant Anaesthetist, Imperial College London
This session discusses current challenges in delivering anaesthetic services in private care and the potential for greater collaboration and training support.
- Examine pressures from PMI constraints.
- Address training and workforce gaps.
- Explore NHS-private sector support strategies.
12:30
Healthcare Unplugged: Inside the System with a Policy Architect
Speaker: Lord Andrew Lansley
Lord Lansley will reflect on the policy and structural challenges of healthcare reform, drawing on his experience and lessons learned as Health Secretary.
- Understand complexities of health system reform.
- Contrast vision vs implementation.
- Explore ideas for future health delivery.
12:45
Mental Wealth: The Private Sector’s Role in Emotional Health
Dr Jon van Niekerk
Group Medical Director
Cygnet Health Care
Speaker: Dr Jon van Niekerk, Group Medical Director, Cygnet Health Care
This session examines how private inpatient mental health services can alleviate pressure on the NHS and improve midlife mental health care outcomes.
- Analyse challenges in inpatient services.
- Explore private-NHS collaborative models.
- Address future vision for emotional health.
13:00
Ten-Year Vision: Partnering for a Healthier Nation
David Hare
Chief Executive
Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) Limited
Speaker: David Hare, Chief Executive, Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN)
David Hare shares insights into the elective recovery plan and how the private sector is adapting to deliver ethical, efficient and accessible care.
- Clarify reform objectives and delivery goals.
- Assess role of independent providers.
- Balance governance with commercial pressures.
13:15
Midday Recharge: Networking Lunch
An opportunity for delegates to enjoy lunch, network, and reflect on the morning’s content before the afternoon programme resumes.
- Engage in informal networking.
- Recharge with refreshments.
- Prepare for afternoon sessions.
14:15
Counting the Cost: Health Risks to Businesses
Joanne Buckle
Principal & Consulting Actuary
Milliman
Speaker: Joanne Buckle, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Joanne will examine how midlife health issues are impacting employers financially, and what proactive strategies businesses are using to mitigate risk.
- Understand financial risk from poor health.
- Review business responses and benefits design.
- Address rising healthcare costs proactively.
14:30
The Corporate View on Midlife Health and Private Care
Marjoleine Hulshof
People & Organisation Lead
Investec Bank plc
Speaker: Marjoleine Hulshof, People & Organisation Lead, Investec Bank plc
This session will explore how corporate leaders are adapting HR strategies to support the health, wellbeing, and career longevity of midlife employees.
- Make the business case for private health.
- Design inclusive, future-proof benefits.
- Address wellbeing beyond insurance.
15:00
Cardio Countdown: Beating Heart Disease Before It Starts
Dr Balvinder Wasan
Consultant Cardiologist
One Welbeck
Speaker: Dr Balvinder Wasan, Consultant Cardiologist, Independent Doctors Federation
This session looks at the most common cardiovascular risks in midlife and how private practice can reduce the burden through early detection and prevention.
- Identify prevalent cardiac conditions.
- Highlight early diagnostic tools.
- Promote prevention via independent care.
15:15
Tackling Arrhythmia in Midlife
Professor Richard Schilling
Professor of cardiology
Welbeck Health Partners and Barts Heart Centre
Speaker: Prof. Richard Schilling, Professor of Cardiology, Welbeck Health Partners and Barts Heart Centre
Professor Schilling will share how innovation in private settings has advanced arrhythmia care and how systemic adoption in the NHS remains a challenge.
- Understand arrhythmia and its comorbidities.
- Explore innovations in private care.
- Examine barriers to NHS adoption.
15:30
Innovation Spotlight: Ezra (Sponsored Session)
Dr Dan Brook
Clinical Director The Brook Surgery, London, UK &
Medical Director, EZRA AI
Presentation Title: AI-Assisted Imaging in Preventive Medicine
Speaker: Dr Dan Brook - Clinical Director The Brook Surgery, London, UK Medical Director, EZRA AI
This sponsored session will showcase a groundbreaking health innovation aimed at tackling key challenges in midlife healthcare.
- Present a transformative solution or service.
- Explore its clinical and technological impact.
- Consider applications across the healthcare system.
15:45
Comfort Break: Time to Recharge
A short afternoon break for attendees to refresh, catch up with peers, or prepare for the final block of sessions.
- Step away for a short refresh.
- Reflect on earlier content.
- Reconnect with colleagues informally.
16:15
Mobilising Care: MSK Service & Training in the Private Sector
Mr Mark Bowditch
President of the British Orthopaedic Association
Speaker: Mark Bowditch, Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon, President, British Orthopaedic Association
Mark will explore workforce and training challenges in MSK care and how private sector models can help address gaps while complementing NHS delivery.
- Assess current workforce trends in orthopaedics.
- Examine cross-sector training opportunities.
- Explore benefits of collaborative care models.
16:30
The Menopause Movement: Mainstreaming the Change
Dr. Clair Crocket
GP and Menopause Specialist
Newson Health
Speaker: Dr. Clair Crocket, GP and Menopause Specialist, Newson Health
This session advocates for mainstreaming menopause support in clinical settings and workplaces, promoting better outcomes for women in midlife.
- Elevate menopause awareness and access.
- Normalise discussion in health and work.
- Create equitable care pathways for women.
16:45
Check Yourself: A Testicular Cancer Wake-Up Call
Philip Morris MBE
Founder
Testicular Cancer UK
Speaker: Philip Morris MBE, Founder, Testicular Cancer UK
Philip Morris shares insights on raising awareness of testicular cancer, encouraging early detection, and engaging men in proactive health behaviours.
- Understand incidence and high-risk groups.
- Highlight early diagnosis outcomes.
- Promote cultural change in male health.
17:00
Mental Health in Midlife: Tackling Inequalities and Improving Lives
Andy Bell
Chief Executive
Centre for Mental Health
Speaker: Andy Bell, Chief Executive, Centre for Mental Health
This session explores mental health trends in midlife, addressing inequality in access and advocating for a joined-up, government-wide response.
- Review inequalities in access to care.
- Promote targeted support strategies.
- Encourage whole-system collaboration.
17:15
Rewiring Resilience: Future Models for Mental Health
Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya
Consultant Psychiatrist
CNWL NHS Foundation Trust, the Nightingale Hospital
Speaker: Dr Chi-Chi Obuaya, Consultant Psychiatrist, CNWL NHS Foundation Trust & Nightingale Hospital
Dr Obuaya explores how digital tools, stigma reduction, and private practice models can reshape midlife mental health provision.
- Develop effective prevention strategies.
- Break cultural barriers to access.
- Guide clinicians starting private practice.
17:30
Closing Reflections & Calls to Action
Dr Susan Alexander
IDrF President
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Fortius Clinic
A summary of key insights from the day, highlighting next steps, collaboration opportunities, and shared commitments across sectors.
- Capture headline takeaways from sessions.
- Discuss future collaboration models.
- Close with a clear call to action.