Emergency medicine experts to gather in Christchurch
24 May 2019
Christchurch knows just how important emergency medicine is. Experts who can identify the critically injured and provide
safe and effective immediate care have saved countless lives and helped to pull our city through some of the toughest
times.
It is fitting therefore that Christchurch has been selected to host over 1,000 emergency medicine professionals for the
2021 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Annual Scientific Meeting.
The five day conference, to be held in the currently under-construction convention centre Te Pae, will welcome
participants from Australia and New Zealand in November 2021.
In selecting Christchurch as the host city, event organisers were particularly impressed with the Te Papa Hauora Health
Precinct which integrates world-class healthcare, research, innovation, education and industry with a strong emphasis on
population health.
“Christchurch offers the chance for specialist emergency physicians across Australia and New Zealand to visit and learn
how the city has rebuilt and expanded,” said Dr John Bonning, President-Elect of the Australasian College for Emergency
Medicine.
“In addition, the collaboration and ongoing work of health and government related bodies through the Health Precinct
gives an opportunity to share this with our Fellows, trainees and other health professionals.
“As well, Christchurch is a stunning getaway rich with outdoor activities, arts and culture and so much for families and
individuals to enjoy.”
The Christchurch event will be an opportunity to showcase other aspects of the Health Precinct including a new
purpose-built clinical simulation centre, a new design lab specialising in supporting transformation care and a new
acute services building.
Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Anna Fennessy said securing the event was a great win for the city
and New Zealand.
“International conferences like this one have the potential to leave positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities
that host them and the rest of New Zealand. New Zealand’s expertise in emergency medicine will increase through this
knowledge share opportunity, benefiting New Zealander's in times of their greatest need.”
Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction said delegates attending the conference will
include physicians who often work in a very busy and demanding environment.
“We’d like to encourage the delegates to take the opportunity to unwind and soak up Ōtautahi’s vibrant hospitality
scene, our world-famous street art, burgeoning retail and shopping precinct and explore the stunning natural landscapes
surrounding the city.”