Neonatal, flight and emergency nurses holding combined conference.

Neonatal, flight and emergency nurses are holding an inaugural combined conference in Christchurch from September 1-4. The theme of the combined conference of these NZNO sections or colleges--the New Zealand Association of Neonatal Nurses, The New Zealand Flight Nurses' Association and the New Zealand College of Emergency Nurses--is New Beginnings. Most nurses who work in these three clinical areas work in tertiary and acute care but there is a significant group who work outside the major cities, often in small teams of health professionals. About 300 delegates from around the country and from Australia, Malaysia, England and the United States are expected. Keynote speakers include internationally renowned expert in emergency medicine, Mike Ardagh, from Christchurch; prominent neonatal nursing researcher from Melbourne, Linda Johnston; and internationally respected flight nurse, Scott de Boer, from Chicago. One of de Boer's many achievements is starring with George Clooney in several episodes of the hit television series ER.

The local organising committee of five nurses, who work full-time for the Canterbury District Health Board in the clinical areas which are the focus of the conference, has been working on a voluntary basis for the past two years to plan and implement what we envisage will be a very successful conference.

Further information can be found on our website: www.cdhb.govt.nz/conference.

Report by conference convenor and chair of the New Zealand Association of Neonatal Nurses, Michael McIlhone