The growth and influence of BAPEN from the formation of the association in 1992 is a tribute to the previous chairmen, to the council and to all the members of the committees and working parties. BAPEN initially focused on techniques for nutritional support, and then Disease Related Malnutrition. The areas, which now require emphasis, include the effective application of current knowledge in the delivery of nutritional care, and the expansion of that knowledge base.
Clinical Governance
The quality of care is an important issue that is addressed through Clinical Governance. From the BAPEN perspective Clinical Governance is both an opportunity and an obligation. There remain many areas of uncertainty in the field of nutritional management. The promotion of basic science through strengthened links with the Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism Group of the Nutrition Society, and clinical science through the coordination of clinical research, are important objectives for the development of our understanding of the value and role of nutrition and specific nutrients in the genesis and management of disease.
New Structures
BAPEN is developing a new structure to pursue these aims. Standing committees for Research and Science, Governance, Education, Communications, Programmes, and Finance are being formed. The existing groups such as BANS, LITRE, the Malnutrition Advisory Group, and the regional representatives will continue as subcommittees of one of the standing committees. Other subcommittees may be established in relation to hospital catering and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Enlisting Expertise
Commensurate with the formation of the new structure is the need to enlist expertise and engage professionals from within the founder groups. There are many reasons for this. The changing remit of BAPEN now extends beyond the techniques for nutritional support. There is increasing involvement of many clinicians from different professions and disciplines in nutritional care in hospital and in the community. We must encourage colleagues from Nursing, Dietetic, Medical, and Pharmaceutical backgrounds who are working in the community, oncology, care of the elderly and many other fields to participate in, and contribute to, BAPEN.
Optimal Nutrition Care
Within the current climate we have a major opportunity to capitalise on much that has already been achieved to ensure that optimal nutritional care is offered to all patients. This opportunity is also a major obligation. I look forward to working with you during the next few years.