World renowned experts speak to nursing students about the biggest health issues

Internationally respected authorities in child health came to the University of Northampton yesterday to speak exclusively to staff and students.

The academic year was wrapped up at the annual Child Nursing conference that looked at the pressing issue of childhood obesity, that included speeches from leading researchers.

The keynote speaker for this year was Dr Jude Oben, Consultant Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist and Obesity Physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Oben, recognised as a leading international expert in his field, spoke about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), with a focus on adolescents.

Other contributors included:

• Kumi De Costa from the Royal Brompton Hospital
• Rajiv Goonetilleke from Cambridgeshire Community Services
• The Children’s Weight Management Team from Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
• The Public Health & Well-being directorate, Northamptonshire County Council.

Dr Oben (pictured above) said: “NAFLD is fast becoming the HIV of our age, but ignorance is not an excuse or an option. Given the rising number of children who are overweight, nurses need to know what to do with patients they see who have this condition. I’m indebted to the Child Nursing team at University of Northampton for giving me the opportunity to inform their student nurses of this condition.”

Louise Cremonesini, Senior Lecturer Children’s Nursing and Health Visiting at University of Northampton (pictured above), organised the conference. She said: “We were glad to secure such excellent speakers to come to University of Northampton to talk first-hand about their work into one of the most pressing health concerns of the modern age.

“Their presence here reflects the high esteem that nursing at University of Northampton is held in and their informed speeches have helped enlighten our staff and students.”

See our website for more about the Child Nursing course at University of Northampton.