A message from the HNA Committee

Hi everyone,

We hope you are all safe and well in these strange times.

We’re sorry that due to pandemic precautions enforced we had to postpone the HNA conference and that we therefore couldn’t all get together last weekend. We were so saddened that we had to do this as we had so many things we wanted to bring to you and share, not the least of which would have been the joy of catching up with you all.

Unfortunately, since we notified you all of the conference postponement we have now had to completely cancel the event. The length of time that any COVID-19 precautions may have to be continued is not known and we could have been forced to postpone the conference again, losing the deposit on the venue. Threrefore, we took the decision to cancel the 2020 conference. Mike and the Haemnet team are in the process of sorting out refunds for all of those of you who have paid for places. You should hear from the team shortly.

Despite the postponement and subsequent cancellation of the conference, a number of us were able to virtually meet up this though the power of Zoom. We were able to share what has been happening over the past few weeks as we’ve all been preparing for the pandemic. We had 27 people sign in and it was great to see everyone. This was the first of what we hope will become regular “HNA hangouts” over the coming months. It’s going to be important that we all stay in touch with one another during this time.

As many of you will be aware the AGM is normally the time when we announce any changes to the make-up of the committee. This year both Cathy Harrison (Chair) and April Jones have stepped down from the committee. I would like to thank both of them for their excellent work over the past few years. They have been invaluable and committed members who have given so much to the whole HNA. We wish them both good luck and hope that they have enjoyed their time on the committee.

Both Shaun Emmitt and Claire Forrester were due to stand down at the AGM this year but have agreed to remain on the committee for a further 6 months to provide some stability to during these difficult times.

We are also pleased to announce that Sharon Thind has been appointed to the committee.

The current committee:

• Simon Fletcher (Chair)
• Julia Stiles (Treasurer)
• Shaun Emmitt (Secretary)
• Claire Forrester
• Marie Eales
• Helen Hupston (currently on maternity leave)
• Sharon Thind

This also means that we currently have a vacancy. We are therefore inviting applications from any full-time haemophilia nurse who is interested in joining the committee.

Committee members can serve for one or two full terms (a term being three years). As a member of the committee you will be expected to play an active role in planning and running the annual conference. The committee meets three times a year.

If you would like to either propose yourself or nominate someone to join the committee, please let Simon (simon@haemnet.com) know and he will email you out a copy of the nomination form.  A copy of the form and the committee terms of reference can also be found on the Haemnet website. Nominations will close on Friday 31^st July. If we receive more than one nomination, we shall hold an election.

During these difficult times we as a committee want to say that as much as we can be, we are here for you. If there is anything you want to raise with us, please do get in touch, either individually or through Haemnet.

Simon Fletcher, Chair
on behalf of the HNA Committee