It was hard, when you were used to doing something a certain way, to change the methods you used almost day in day out. Near on impossible when they worked, they were tried and tested, and you knew they could be relied upon. Why would you change something that had served you so well?
Innovation, that was different; change for the sake of change, on the other hand, was much more irritating. It was much more beneficial to stick with what you knew, unless of course it was an innovation which would develop treatments and improve outcomes. It was a sentiment shared by not only Jac Naylor and her brilliant team, but by many different areas of the hospital.
It was this attitude which lead to the current predicament – 6 medics from various departments and wards within the hospital, with different levels of seniority, all stood in Hansen's office as he informed them of their upcoming 'skills development' conference taking place in London at the end of the month. It was a mixed blessing – on one hand, the opportunity to learn about new innovations and skills which would help their careers and their patients, but they'd also have to sit through endless talks by people who supported change for the sake of it, just for 'doing something different'.
"Why, exactly, are you sending me on this?" Jac sighed, irritated at the prospect of having to leave her ward, her surgeries, for the benefit of 'learning' about 'pioneering research' which was so far out of date it may as well have belonged to Hippocrates.
"Well, we thought as a hospital, it would be within our best interests to send some representatives, even if the medical knowledge you gain from this isn't satisfactory the opportunity to network and build contacts most certainly will be." Henrik replied in an even tone, eyes focused and sharp as he surveyed the group. "I am well aware that our hospital is often in advance of the information shared at this annual conference, however it would not look good if we believed ourselves to be above what they have learned. It must be remembered that whilst we make our changes and innovations through practise and clinical knowledge they do it solely through research, and you never know – they may even bring up some points we have not yet considered.
"All very fair points there Henrik, but it doesn't really answer my question – why me?" Jac questioned, somewhat irritated that she was going to have to suffer the conference.
"Well, I was just getting on to that. The board responsible for the conference in liaison with KCL and UCL are both interested in getting some speakers to speak about the clinical changes and innovations that have been implemented as a result of their medical research. I have been invited to send speakers from two areas to do just that – to present their research and educate the others on the different strategies and changes that have been made as a result of this. This is our opportunity to put Holby on the map as a nationwide leader of pioneering medical research." Henrik responded, hoping the news that she would be able to present would be able to placate the fiery consultant.
"So who's speaking?" Bernie asked, looking around at the group and then back towards Henrik.
"I plan to have yourself and Serena talk about the trauma unit, and Jac and Zosia talk about their recent research projects." Henrik clarified, looking at the group of medics.
"Ok, where do Jasmine and Morven come into this?" Serena asked, already feeling happier about attending the conference. It was a long running joke throughout the hospital that it was like attending a refresher course for the research they had used and implemented many years ago, and as something with no benefit to the doctors. However, presenting meant funding, and as always Holby was always on the look out for investors.
"Well, it would be an experience that may boost their portfolios. I feel it would be of great interest for them to attend." Henrik supplied, turning to look at the two juniors.
"Yes, of course Mr Hansen." Jasmine agreed, nodding, although this sounded like her own personal hell.
"Right, anyway, the specifics. All six of you are to meet at Holby train station at 7am on Friday. You will then catch the 7:15am to London, which will take around 2 hours. When you arrive in London you will be taken by taxi to the hotel where the conference is going to be held. There are 3 double rooms booked, you can share as you see fit. You will be expected to stay in London for a duration of 5 days, although of course much of that time will not be spent in the conference itself. I am assured that there will be plenty of free time for you to explore the city, and for Jasmine, Morven and Zosia you will be eligible to claim back costs for food and transport throughout the duration of the trip under the training and professional development bursary fund.
All three of them looked at each other, before Bernie broke the silence.
"Ok, if that's everything sorted I must get back, I've got an elective in 10 minutes." Bernie shrugged, looking at the polished chrome clock on the office wall.
"Of course. Unless there are any questions from anyone, that is all." Henrik finished, and with that the group left, promising to reconvene at the train station exactly one week later.