Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 67(3) August 2017
The AGM of the Catholic Medical Association (UK) Annual General
Meeting 2017
April 26th 2017
Donato Tallo
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2017 of the Catholic Medical
Association took place on Saturday 22nd April at Newman House, the
Catholic University Chaplaincy for Birmingham University.
The AGM began shortly before 11:15 and lots of different discussions took place during the meeting, with various reports from the President, Treasurer, Registrar and Secretary heard by the members present. There was also discussion around the younger members New Evangelisation Group which is undertaking some fantastic work and events for juniors and students of the healthcare professions generating a much needed support network.
There will soon be some significant much needed changes to the website and there are lots of pieces of work are planned for future editions of the Catholic Medical Quarterly which continues to be widely read, distributed and appreciated.
Discussions were also held and some decisions made on future activities of the association and expenditure. Council members were re-elected or remained in post as appropriate with some new members of the association joining the council.
The work of the Catholic Medical Missionary Society was discussed and it is very clear that the funds raised through this charity are going to some very good causes indeed.
Conscience in Healthcare
After the AGM association members enjoyed a delicious lunch with some time for conversing and then an interesting and thought provoking talk by Mr Patrick McCrystal, a qualified pharmacist and the Executive Director of Life International (Ireland) on conscience in healthcare - a pharmacist’s view. Mr McCrystal’s very emotive and inspirational talk was greatly appreciated by the members present and he also spoke most eloquently about the work he does in Ireland and about why he is so passionate regarding the importance of personal moral conscience in modern healthcare practice.
Following Mr McCrystal’s talk, our President Dr Philip Howard spoke on his recent submission to the General Pharmaceutic Council in relation to its consultation on religion, personal values and beliefs in pharmacy practice which continues to be an ongoing and controversial issue.
Mass with Bishop Byrne
Members of the association present were fortunate that Bishop Robert Byrne was able to join us to celebrate Holy Mass at 17:15 in the Newman House chapel, assisted by the university Priest-Chaplain and a local Deacon. We are grateful to Fr Guy Nichols from the Birmingham Oratory who led us a cappella in the beautiful ordinary mass responses and anthems which greatly enhanced our liturgy. Bishop Byrne celebrated the vigil Mass of the Second Sunday of Easter (Devine Mercy Sunday) and preached beautifully on the Gospel Reading - doubting Thomas.
Bishop Byrne also thanked the Catholic Medical Association for the work that we do and acknowledge the important role that all healthcare professionals play in out modern society.
After Holy Mass and some more informal chatter many members present for
the days activities moved on to the nearby Eaton Hotel for a most
enjoyable sit down dinner with an opportunity to relax and socialise.
Many thanks indeed must be expressed to Dr Frank Leahy from the West
Midlands Branch for arranging and coordinating the day’s events which
really were most enjoyable and well organised.
Report and Photos by Donato Tallo
who is a registered nurse working
in the acute hospital sector.