Nurses collaborating on innovative solutions at the BACCN Conference

BACCN Conference 2018: Celebrating Critical Care Nursing and Innovation

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A look back at the highlights, achievements, and key takeaways from the 33rd Annual BACCN Conference in Bournemouth."

The 33rd Annual BACCN (British Association of Critical Care Nurses) Conference in Bournemouth was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for critical care nursing. Under the theme "Following in the footsteps of giants," the conference celebrated the achievements of nurses, fostered innovation, and provided a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices.

Reflecting on the event, Nicki Credland, Chair of BACCN, lauded the 'brilliant delegates, inspiring key note speakers, excellent conference support from Echo Events, superb conference director @karin_gerber and amazing teamwork from the National Board.' Months of planning culminated in an event that was both informative and inspiring.

The conference wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of industry partners, with LINET playing a crucial role as the main conference partner. Their contribution, along with other sponsors, underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing critical care.

Key Highlights and Memorable Moments

Nurses collaborating on innovative solutions at the BACCN Conference

The BACCN Conference 2018 offered a rich tapestry of experiences, from immersive simulations to engaging social events. The conference team focused on delivering a comprehensive experience for all delegates, starting well before the event and continuing throughout the conference dinner.

One of the standout features was the inclusion of Immersive UK, who, for the first time, provided a backdrop to hands-on seaside simulation. Participants received expert guidance from the South West Ambulance Service Paramedics. The exhibition included over 40 exhibitors that provided hands-on experience with the latest equipment and technology used within critical care.

Opening Session: The conference kicked off with an engaging session, "999 What's your emergency?" featuring Alton Towers Smiler Ride Crash: An incident commander's view - Dale Harrison, setting the tone for the event.
Caring Canines: Demonstrating the conference's commitment to community support, Caring Canines, a local charity, was supported throughout the event, providing comfort and companionship.
SpeakEasy Conference Dinner: Attendees enjoyed a roaring 1920's SpeakEasy Conference Dinner, offering a unique and entertaining networking opportunity.
Simbulance and Simulation Sessions: These interactive sessions provided practical, hands-on experience for attendees, enhancing their skills and knowledge in critical care scenarios.

Delegates also benefited from a wide range of concurrent, poster, and workshop sessions, allowing them to showcase their work and learn from peers. The conference program offered plenty of time for networking, enabling attendees to connect with old friends and forge new relationships.

Looking Ahead: BACCN Conference 2019

The BACCN Conference 2018 successfully celebrated the critical role of nurses and set the stage for future innovations in critical care. With the conference delegates walking away feeling inspired and more capable, the event has successfully shown itself as a platform to inspire nurses to be proud 'Critical Care nurse' and make their 'voice will be heard'. The conference laid the foundations for BACCNConf2019 in Edinburgh.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/nicc.1_12388, Alternate LINK

Title: Baccn Conference 2018 Highlights

Subject: Critical Care Nursing

Journal: Nursing in Critical Care

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Karin Gerber

Published: 2018-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What is the BACCN Conference and why is it important?

The BACCN Conference is the annual conference hosted by the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN). It serves as a platform for critical care nurses to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and foster innovation within the field. It's significant because it provides a space for nurses to connect, learn about the latest advancements, and contribute to the ongoing development of critical care practices. The conference underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in advancing patient care.

What was the significance of the theme "Following in the footsteps of giants"?

The theme "Following in the footsteps of giants" at the BACCN Conference celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of nurses in critical care. This theme is important because it acknowledges the historical progress and impact of nurses in shaping the field, inspiring current practitioners to continue building on this legacy. It implies a responsibility to uphold and advance the standards of critical care nursing while honoring those who paved the way.

What role did Immersive UK play and why were their simulations important?

Immersive UK provided hands-on seaside simulations at the BACCN Conference. This is significant because simulation experiences offer practical, realistic training scenarios that enhance the skills and knowledge of critical care professionals. The implication is that these simulations help nurses develop their abilities to respond effectively in critical situations, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

What was the purpose of the SpeakEasy Conference Dinner?

The SpeakEasy Conference Dinner was a social event at the BACCN Conference. Such events are important as they provide a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for attendees to network and build relationships. This is significant because fostering connections among critical care professionals encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas, leading to improved practices and support systems within the nursing community. The informal setting helps build rapport that can translate into professional collaborations.

Who was LINET and why is industry support important for the conference?

LINET was the main conference partner for the BACCN Conference. The support of industry partners is crucial because it provides the resources necessary to host a successful and impactful event. This collaboration signifies the importance of partnerships between healthcare providers and industry in advancing critical care. It implies that shared efforts and investments can lead to innovative solutions and improved patient care through the integration of advanced technologies and resources.