BPNS Spring Meeting 2026 Belfast

 

 

The British Peripheral Nerve Society Teaching Day and Spring Meeting took place on 19-20 March under the guidance of Dr. John McConville, Consultant Neurologist, Ulster Hospital Dundonald.

The meeting, hailed as a huge success, was held in the auspicious Titanic Hotel and Dr McConville welcomed all in attendance as well as those delegates attending on-line. He opened the meeting by welcoming BPNS members, presenters, judges, delegates, guests and sponsors. The Conference provided an ideal opportunity to showcase Belfast in all it’s glory. He enthused, “I am delighted to have you join us for what promises to be an inspiring and productive meeting.” Beautiful, sunny weather with the backdrop of maritime Belfast contributed to making the few days a wonderful success and a memorable one.

Under the banner, ‘Promoting clinical education and knowledge of peripheral nerve diseases,’ both days did in fact prove to be informative, educational and extremely helpful to all who attended and contributed. The coffee and lunch breaks allowed the delegates an informal, welcome space to re-acquaint with each other and make new connections.

 

Invited speakers 

A particular thanks goes to the excellent invited speakers who enlightened us with their talks:

• Dr Nicholas Sanderson, Clinical Neuroimmunology Laboratory, University of Basel who spoke on ‘Molecular mechanisms of complement activation in autoantibody-driven diseases’
• Dr Grace McMacken Academic Clinical Lecturer, Queen’s University Belfast speaking on ‘Hereditary Neuropathies with vocal cord paralysis: A Northern Irish Experience’
• Professor Anna Olsson-Brown, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Professor of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Trials, University College Cork and Cork University Hospital, who lead our discussion forum on ‘CIPN (and beyond): A Problem for Oncology or Neurology?’

 

2026 prizewinners

There were two resident doctor book prizes of £500 for first prize and £300 runner-up prize which were awarded for the best presentations.

First Prize went to Dr Eva Tallon, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin (below), for her presentation, 'A Rare Cause of Foot Drop: Primary Lymphona of the Peripheral Nerve'.

Second prize was awarded to Dr Marie Ryan, UCL, Queen’s Square (below), for her presentation, 'Long Journey, Early Stop – Prion Protein Systemic Amyloidosis'.

 

Summary of attendee feedback (medians and ranges)

Quality of the venue:  5 (range 3-5)
Quality of the catering: 4.5 (range 4-5)
Quality of the invited speakers: 5 (range 4-5)

 

Photo gallery