The Private Practice Conference: Midlife Health Innovation, Prevention and Action

Workforce & Care Integration

09:00 am
10 Jul, 2025
8 Northumberland Avenue, London

The Private Practice Conference: Midlife Health Innovation, Prevention and Action

Workforce & Care Integration

09:00 am
10 Jul, 2025
8 Northumberland Avenue, London

With the UK’s ageing population and the rise of chronic conditions, midlife has become a defining point in the nation’s healthcare strategy. This landmark event brings together leaders from the NHS, private sector, corporate health, and policymaking bodies to explore how meaningful collaboration—not siloed services—can unlock healthier futures and a more resilient system.

This event focuses on:

  • Closing the gap between public and private healthcare delivery.
  • Making prevention the new standard of care.
  • Unlocking innovation through employer-driven and patient-centric models.
  • Reframing midlife as the final frontier for long-term health impact.

Why Attend? Delegates will gain access to:

  • Exclusive insights from leaders in NHS policy, private health provision, and clinical innovation.
  • Real-world case studies on dementia services, digital pathology, corporate wellbeing, menopause care, and more.
  • Actionable strategies to manage workforce health, reduce chronic disease, and support healthy ageing.
  • Opportunities to network with stakeholders across healthcare, government, business, and insurance sectors.
  • Emerging trends in personalised medicine, diagnostics, and mental health support in midlife.
  • A unique forum to contribute to a national conversation on integrated, patient-first care.

Why Sponsor? Sponsors benefit from:

  • Brand alignment with innovation, collaboration, and clinical excellence in one of the UK’s most urgent health topics.
  • Visibility to NHS executives, policymakers, private providers, and corporate decision-makers.
  • Opportunities to present thought leadership, moderate sessions, or lead demos in front of a high-value audience.
  • Access to targeted networking with potential partners, clients, and public-sector collaborators.
  • The chance to directly influence and support the next wave of private-public healthcare partnerships.

This is more than a conference—it's a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration, sustainable innovation, and life-changing outcomes. Whether you’re here to connect, contribute, or lead, the Private Practice Conference is where transformation begins.

 
Conference Organiser:

Speakers

Dr Dan Brook

Medical Director, EZRA AI

Clinical Director The Brook Surgery, London, UK &

Dr Susan Alexander

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Fortius Clinic

IDrF President

Edward Ungar

Pharmacierge

CEO & Co-founder

Mr Mark Bowditch

President of the British Orthopaedic Association

Professor Sir Stephen Powis

NHS England

National Medical Director

Professor William Harrop-Griffiths

Imperial College, London

Professor of Practice (Anaesthesia) & Consultant Anaesthetist

Sponsors & Partners

The programme

09:00

Doors Open: Morning Registration

Doors Open: Morning Registration

09:30

Chair Opening Address

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

Dr Ajay Bagga
Private GP

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.

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