ADVANCE NOTICE

OF A MEETING ON
THE APPLICATION OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
IN THE HEALTH SERVICES

It is planned to hold a one-day conference on the use of Operational Research in Health Services in Berne, Switzerland. It is expected to be held in 15^th March 2001.

The provision of health services is made against a background of continual change. The age structure of the population is changing, it is becoming difficult to find staff in some areas, the technology of treatment is becoming more complex and the costs of treatment are rising. The conference will address how Operational Research can be used to tackle the major issues (particularly reconfiguration) facing the providers of the health services in Switzerland given that questions are being asked of the funding available. Both strategic and operational aspects will be covered.

The detailed programme is currently being finalised. It is expected that the speakers will include:

Dr Geoff Royston, Head of Operational Research, Department of Health, England
Mr Adrian Griffiths, Department of Public Health, Canton Vaud
Dr Werner Widmer, Partner, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Zurich
Mr Olivier Girardin, Partner, ATAG, Lausanne
Mr John Wilkes, Director, INFOR Sàrl

Further information about this event can be obtained from John Wilkes on
wilkes.infor@com.mcnet.ch