The UK European Dialysis and Transplant Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA) host an annual seminar in different locations throughout the UK. Last year's seminar was held in Nottingham on the 11th and 12th of November and, unlike the previous year's event, in York, delegates did not suffer the severe flooding that caused considerable problems when travelling to and from the seminar venue.

Delegates are nurses of all grades, a smattering of doctors, dietitians, social workers and representatives of the various disciplines which make up our renal teams and directorates; they come from renal units throughout the UK.

Networking night!

Most tend to arrive on the evening before seminar to take advantage of the chance to network, make new friends and renew old acquaintances. The accommodation was of the highest quality, with the hotel sporting a gym and swimming pool for those of us who hungered for exercise and a bar, which I am sure saw far more activity, and produced far more hot air, than the gym!

On the first morning of the seminar, delegates were all welcomed by the committee of the UK EDTNA/ERCA, and updated on a number of new research projects. Time was also given to outlining future developments within the Association.

The lectures covered a variety of subjects, including: ethical and legal issues; the role of the renal nurse clinician; and the extended role of the nurse.

High-quality debates

The first afternoon included workshops on anaemia management, management of renal bone disease, and patient flow analysis. These were highly successful and many delegates commented on the quality of the debates and discussions which they generated.

Throughout the two days various exhibitors were present to show developments in their various fields.

In the evening, delegates gathered for an excellent dinner dance. This provided a further opportunity for the various units to meet and to discuss differing practices. Everybody enjoyed themselves with many continuing to party into the small hours.

Despite high incidences of "Bleary-Eye Syndrome" and "Foggy-Head Disorder", most managed to attend a fully packed Day Two, which included lectures on haemodialysis, nutrition and pre-dialysis.

Poster competition

Also on show were 10, high-quality, poster presentations that gave details of some the current research going on within the UK. Delegates were given the chance of voting for their favourite poster. Topics included nurse prescribing and an algorithm for management of calcium and phosphate balance.

The seminar is an ideal way of obtaining up-to-date information on practices being used in other units throughout the UK. It also gives delegates the chance to hear directly about the problems and benefits these practices bring. This enables delegates to assimilate Best Practice to take back to their own units. In addition it arms delegates with up-to-date information on the latest initiatives in renal care.

The next EDTNA/ERCA seminar is being held in Bristol on the 10th and 11th November 2002.