Doors Open: Morning Registration

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.