British Infection Society / Association of Medical Microbiologists (BISAMM)

In November 2009, the British Infection Society formally merged with the Association of Medical Microbiologists to form a new society of over 1400 members. The merger reinforces the collaborative spirit of infection specialists working together to optimise the diagnosis and management of patients with infection. The society exists to promote the science and practice of medicine in relation to infection, and provides support for all infection specialists whether in the field of clinical practice, laboratory medicine, public health, research or education. It is also keen to support trainees in the infection specialties, and furthering research in infection.

www.britishinfectionsociety.org

British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH)

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV ( BASHH) was formed in 2003 through the merger
 of the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases; established 1922 and the Association
 for Genitourinary Medicine; established 1992 and now has in the region of 1000 members.
The objectives of BASHH are to promote, encourage and improved the study and practice of the art
and science of diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases including all sexually transmitted
 infections, HIV and other sexual health problems and to advance public health so far as it is affected
 by sexually transmitted diseases. In addition BASHH promotes a high standard in the medical specialty
of Genitourinary Medicine to include the management of HIV infections and the broader aspects of sexual health.

www.bashh.org

British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC)

Founded in 1971, and with 700 members worldwide, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy exists to facilitate the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. At the forefront of the antimicrobial chemotherapy field, the BSAC works to improve the prevention
and treatment of infectious disease and promote the appropriate and effective use of antimicrobial agents and the management of community and hospital-acquired infection(s) through:

• Education
• Research grants
• Promoting evidence based practice, audit and quality improvement measures
• Engagement with people and organisations
• National programmes of surveillance and susceptibility testing in collaboration with relevant bodies

The BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (JAC), which is among the foremost international journals in antimicrobial research. Publish monthly, the journal features original articles on the laboratory aspects and clinical use of antimicrobials. Readership includes representatives of academia, industry and health services, and includes those who are influential in formulary decisions.

www.bsac.org.uk

British HIV Association (BHIVA)

BHIVA has become the leading UK professional association representing professionals in HIV care. Now 13 years old, it is a well established and highly respected organisation with national influence committed to providing excellence in the care of those living with and affected by HIV.

www.bhiva.org

British Paediatric Allergy, Immunity and Infection Group (BPAIIG)

In the early 1970s several specialist paediatric groups were started as subgroups of the British Paediatric Association (BPA). Proposals to start one for Immunology arose in conversation between Professor CBS Wood and Professor JF Soothill and the first meeting was convened in 1976. In 2000, to foster interest and recognise the emerging importance of childhood allergic diseases, the name of the Group was changed to the British Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infection Group (BPAIIG).

Members of the BPAIIG are actively involved in the clinical care of children as well as in research and development of new methods of investigation and treatment of allergic, immune and infectious conditions.

www.bpaiig.org

The Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA)

CHIVA is an Association of professionals who are committed to providing excellence in the care
of children infected or affected by HIV and their families.

There are currently over 150 members, embracing many different disciplines including nursing,
 GU Medicine, paediatrics, community child health, child development, psychology, social work,
dieticians, pharmacists and support services.

www.chiva.org.uk

Hospital Infection Society (HIS)

The Hospital Infection Society is a UK based international society with members in countries worldwide.  It was formed in the 1970s by a group of doctors who wished to foster interest in the science and control of hospital acquired infections.

Although primarily Infection Control doctors and Medical Microbiologists, many nurses and other health professionals have now become Associate members of the Society, with membership currently standing at 820. The Society hosts an international conference every four years, the next being in Liverpool 11-13 October 2010.  For further information about the conference visit http://www.his2010.com or contact Sue Hollinshead at sue.hollinshead@his.org.uk

www.his.org.uk

Infection Prevention Society (formerly Infection Control Nurses Association)

The ICNA was formed at the 1970 conference, held at Bristol University with Dr Brendan Moore elected President and Mr A Isbister as the new Chairman of the Association. It was decided in 1984 to hold the first International ICNA meeting and this took place in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The event attracted delegates from far afield; America, Australia, Africa and South East Asia. At the annual conference 2006 the ICNA membership voted to expand the membership to include any health professionals employed in the field of infection prevention and control. The membership also voted in favour of a name change to reflect the expanded membership, opting for the Infection Prevention Society (IPS).

www.ips.uk.net

Society of General Microbiology (SGM)

The Society for General Microbiology was formally inaugurated on 16 February 1945, at a meeting of Original Members in London. Sir Alexander Fleming was elected as the first President. SGM had its origins in the (then) Society of Agricultural Bacteriologists: a number of members of that society had wished to see a broadening of its interests and scope beyond agriculture, to embrace virology, medical and agricultural bacteriology, protozoology and mycology. The idea was to bring members from different backgrounds together to gain the benefits of interdisciplinary discussion and learning from each other. This aim of the founders is still, after more than half a century, central to the ethos of SGM. It underlies the growth of the Society, from 241 Original Members, to its present position as the largest microbiological learned society in Europe, with a total membership of over 5000.

www.sgm.ac.uk

United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association

The UKCPA was established in 1981 with the aim of supporting and encouraging the emergence of clinical pharmacy. It brings together like-minded pharmacists from different practice areas to share knowledge, research and experiences. The Infection Management Group aims to provide education and training and network support for pharmacists involved with the prevention and treatment of infection. The Group intends to:

• Share and exchange ideas and resources
• Provide education and training events
• Encourage and support practice research
• Share clinical excellence, evidence and best practice

www.ukcpa.org