The Forum was developed as a group which would encompass multiple specialties interested in the management of venous disorders in a way comparable to the phlebological groups and societies of many other European countires at the time.

The Forum was to be representative of all the disciplines involved in the management of venous disease but was also to be representative nationally (i.e including members from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland).

The first annual scientific meeting was held in June 1983 at the Royal Society of Medicine and the subjects discussed were venous ulcers, venous physiology, non-operative treatment of venous disorders and measurement in venous diseases.

Since that first small meeting the Forum has developed into a nationally renowned Society with international links with many other phlebological Societies.

Constitution

Whilst members of the Forum come from a variety of different healthcare professions, they have one common interest, the management of venous disease.

As with many conditions venous disease is dealt with by many different specialties who bring skills relating to their particular specialty. However venous disease is perhaps unique in the extent that its management benefits from a multidisciplinary approach and the Venous Forum is ideally positioned to facilitate this.

The Venous Forum currently has at total of 171 members, 26 London Fellows, 83 Regional Fellows, 16 Overseas Fellows, 21 Retired Fellows, 6 Young Fellows, 9 Life Fellows and 10 Associates Members. The Venous Forum Council is made up of elected members who serve a term of office of 3 years. The Council also includes representatives of the Society of Vascular Technologists and Society of Vascular nurses.

The Council also includes representatives of the Society of Vascular Technologists and Society of Vascular nurses

Current Officers & Council Members

Professor Andrew Bradbury, President
Mr David Berridge, President Elect
Mr Isaac Nyamekye, Hon Treasurer
Mr Alun Davies, Editorial Rep
Professor Gerard Stansby, Honorary Secretary
Mr James Scurr Trainee, Rep
Mr Manjit Gohel Trainee, Rep
Mr Peter Holt Trainee, Rep
Ms Ruth Chipp, SVN Rep
Mr Emmanuel Grimley, SVT Rep
Dr Richard Bull, Dermatology Rep
Mr Philip Coleridge-Smith, Council member
Mr Jonothan Earnshaw, Council member
Mr Bruce Braithwaite, Council member
Mr Tim Lees, Council member
Mr Timothy R Magee, Council member
Professor Saroj Das, Council member
Mr Andrew Parry, Council member
Dr Marianne Vandendriessche, Council member
Ms Sophie Renton, Council member

Meetings

The Forum meets with a Scientific Meeting twice per year. The Annual General Meeting is held in Spring either at the Royal Society of Medicine, or in one of the regions (with a local organiser). This is a 2 day meeting with scientific presentations of submitted papers and invited lectures. This meeting has in the past been held on occasion in collaboration with other Societies.

The Autumn meeting of the Forum is held on the morning of the first day of the annual meeting of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. This meeting usually examines a particular venous topic and invited speakers present their experience. Debate is encouraged and there are often controversial topics to be discussed.

Aims

The last 5 years has seen the development of several new and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and considerable advances have been made. At the same time varicose vein treatments have become less available to patients within certain areas of the National Health Service, largely for reasons of cost pressures.

The Venous Forum aims to:
a) Promote healthcare in the field of venous disease
b) Provide information for the public and healthcare professionals on the management of venous disease
c) Encourage research into new technologies with the aim of improving care of patients with venous disease
d) Define and continually improve standards for the delivery of healthcare in the field of venous disease.

The Royal Society of Medicine

Venous Forum

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History

Constitution

Current Officers & Council Members

Meetings

Aims

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