Caring For Patients Who Are Plus Size

Alfred Health and Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics partner to present this unique one-day conference designed for nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, manual handling/clinical OH&S, medical and associated staff who care for individuals who are plus size.

Broadly, we will cover care in the Acute, Subacute, Community, Aged and Disability areas. 

The focus areas include:

• Patient Handling & Movement (Manual Handling)
• Language, Weight Stigma, and Inclusive Practice
• Obesity Causes, Complications and Weight Management Options
• Practical Strategies for Care Planning and Provision
• Hands-On Practical Care Simulations (Case studies)
• Lived Experience Voices
• Q&A opportunities
• Bariatric Equipment Display
  

Join us to enhance your skills and knowledge to provide better care to your patients!

About The Conference

“Patients are the reason we are here – they are the focus of what we do.”

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest scientific advancements and understanding of obesity, along with practical skills for caring for plus-size individuals including patient manual handling, equipment prescription, environment design and care planning. You will leave with knowledge about evidence-based treatment strategies both for weight management and patient function, as well as practical advice and tools from leading experts that you can implement in your daily practice. The voices of those with lived experiences of being plus size will be highlighted to guide clinicians on creating effective patient-clinician relationships.

This conference is an excellent opportunity to network with other dedicated health professionals and expand our community of those who care for plus-size individuals.

Obesity is a critical health issue in Australia, being the leading cause of lived disease and the second leading cause of mortality. As the population of overweight and obese individuals continues to grow, staying informed and educated on providing inclusive clinical care and supporting evidence-based weight management strategies has never been more crucial.

Alfred Health is one of Australia’s leading healthcare services. Their care teams serve over 750,000 residents in inner-southern Melbourne and provides 13 statewide services for Victorians with the most acute and complex conditions. Their expert teams excel in the care of plus-size patients across acute, rehabilitation, and outpatient services. This extensive expertise has enabled us to curate an exciting programme featuring expert speakers and engaging sessions.

Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics focuses on revolutionising care and support for plus-size individuals. They provide size-inclusive and expert physiotherapy services to patients and work with healthcare services to enhance their capability to provide equitable (and excellent) care to plus-size patients.

Key Presenters

• Alfred Health Clinical Leaders with Expertise in Obesity (To be Announced Soon!)
• Tracey Carr- Advocate/Lived Experience (sponsored by Essential Helpcare) Visiting from the UK, Tracey is a leading expert on the healthcare experiences of plus-size patients. Don't miss her compelling stories and invaluable wisdom. As a consultant to top healthcare companies and a passionate advocate, she delivers impactful seminars on maintaining dignity in care and training for handling plus-size patients. Learn More
• Dr Caz Hales Nurse/Researcher on Obesity Care (sponsored by Essential Helpcare) Visiting for New Zealand, Dr Hales is a registered nurse and senior lecturer specialising in obesity care. Her research advances safe healthcare practices and equitable services for people living with obesity (PlwO). She explores factors impacting quality of care, patient experiences, and safety, addressing the educational needs and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Caz collaborates closely with PlwO, their families, and communities to develop equitable obesity care health services. Learn More 
• Nadia Walton- Physio/Bariatric Care Consultant Nadia has over a decade of experience navigating the complexities of both public and private healthcare sectors, She has cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges and biases faced by individuals who are plus size.Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of equitable, evidence-based care, and a passion for educating healthcare professionals and corporate organisations on the importance of size inclusivity and ergonomic safety. Learn More

Ticket Options

There are 3 ticket types designed to offer flexibility and to meet your learning needs:

**Alfred Health Staff Receive Tickets at Half Price- Please contact your manager or the conference convenor for the discount code**

1. In Person + Practical Case Study Simulation (Approx. time 8:30am-5pm) Numbers limited to ensure practical case study simulations remain 'hands-on.' You will also receive a recording of the event.

You will enjoy the conference presentations and then rotate through small group case study simulations lead by an experienced clinician and person with lived experience of being plus size. Key outcomes include: bariatric equipment familiarisation, clinician:patient communication skills and care planning and advocacy. 

Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Tea and Coffee will be provided.

2. In Person (No Practical Case Study Simulation)(Approx. time 8:30-2:30pm) You will enjoy conference presentations including panel events, Q&A opportunities and bariatric equipment display present by our sponsors. You will also receive a recording of the event.

Morning Tea, Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Tea and Coffee will be provided.

3.Virtual Conference (Approx time 8:30-2:30). You will be able to log in and listen/view the speakers, panel events and Q&A and interact by voice (2 way video-audio) (online webinar capability). You will also receive a recording of the event. 

About The VENUE

ADDRESS: MicDrop South Melbourne
South Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
111 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Level 5 (lift access opposite Woolworths on Ground Floor)

FULLY ACCESSIBLE (please reach out if you have specific access needs)

NO DEDICATED PARKING AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

TRAIN
Southern Cross Station
Spencer St, Melbourne City

STREET PARKING
In surrounding streets
Time limits and fees apply

TRAM
Route 12 (3min walk)
Stop #127 - York St /
Clarendon St
Route 96 (3min walk)
Stop #126 - City Rd / Light Rail

PAID PARKING
Within the venue building
‘South Melbourne Central’.
Rates available via Care Park

Contact us

For any program, registration, or sponsorship enquiries, please get in touch with our conference convenor via email:

Nadia Walton- Alfred Health/Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics

Physiotherapist/Bariatric Care Consultant

Ph. 0430 155 036 n.walton@alfred.org.au

Our Program Committee

Nadia Walton- Alfred Health Manual Handling, Physiotherapy, Laneways Founder

Lucy Bell- Alfred Health, Physiotherapy, Health of Older Person Stream Leader

Joseph Marinelli- Alfred Health, Health of Older Person Stream Leader /Royal Melbourne Allied Health Workforce Development Manager

Caroline Jacobs-Alfred Health, Occupational Therapy Senior- Community

Sharon Chua- Alfred Health, Manual Handling, Physiotherapy

Steph Zhao- Alfred Health, Manual Handling, Physiotherapy

Vicki White- Alfred Health, Nurse- Critical Care, Clinical Operations Manager (Sandringham), Simulation Facilitator

Jason Pereira- Alfred Health Physiotherapy/Safer Care Victoria