Susanna Filipe
Infection Control Lead Nurse, Portugal
When I saw that the FIS|HIS 2022 International Conference was accepting abstracts I thought about a quality improvement project that I developed with the team at the hospital where I used to work – we thought that maybe it would be a good opportunity to share our experience.
Our poster was accepted. As you can imagine, we were delighted – but the economic effort needed to attend the event was something to consider. From the team, I was able to participate for the three days, so I took my chances and applied for the HIS Travel Grant – and it was granted. It was the first time that I ever had such opportunity.
The HIS Travel Grant covered the majority of my travel expenses and so made it possible for me to attend the event, and to come to the beautiful city of London.
The FIS|HIS 2022 International Conference is both international and includes a collaboration of societies across the United Kingdom, with different specialties within healthcare. That’s why, for me, this was a unique opportunity to learn from different points of view about the implementation of infection prevention and control programs, to learn from other colleagues’ experiences, from their difficulties and achievements.
At some sessions, and also at the poster walk, I was able to network, and to proudly talk about the work we developed. These were some of my goals for the FIS|HIS event. But I achieved much more: priceless education, inspiration, new ideas, discovered innovative products and met new people. At the poster walk I was flattered that our poster aroused the interest of one of the Clean Hospitals Project members, who was interested in our work on the healthcare environment cleaning process, by the implementation of a new cleaning method using the WHO’s multimodal strategy. I was able to exchange some ideas and got important contacts.
And last, but not least, this was my first time in London, and in my free time I was able to walk around this beautiful, eclectic and vibrant city. I really wasn’t expecting so much and such good vibes. I’ve been t the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, had lunch at Borough Market and walked along the Thames river all the way until Big Ben. I saw Westminster Palace, went to Westminster Cathedral and walked along the Birdcage Walk, all the way to Buckingham Palace.
These were unforgettable days. Thank you HIS for the opportunity.