Human Factors Symposium 

Strengthening Culture, Performance, and Safety

AfPP’s Human Factors Symposium explores the real human factors challenges affecting perioperative teams today – discussing real stories, real challenges and real solutions from the heart of perioperative practice.

Through powerful case studies and relatable day‑to‑day examples, you’ll uncover what truly drives safer surgery – from leadership behaviours and role boundaries to staffing pressures, robotics, and the hidden toll of burnout. 

• Date: Thursday 8 October 2026
• Time: 8.30am – 4.00pm
• Location: Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield

Speakers:

• Helen Fowler, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Skills and Simulation , LJMU
• Maxine Page, Theatre Matron, Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Claire Kilbride , SCP-Robotics:Colorectal & Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
• Dr Peter Hambly, Consultant Anaesthetist (retired),, Trustee, Clinical Human Factors Group (CHFG)
• Estelle Martin, SCP, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Derek Hrabovsky, Consultant Anaesthetist and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

Key topics covered:

• Leadership vs Followership: Creating Psychological Safety in Theatres
• Tackling Staffing Crisis and Training Gaps
• Role Clarity vs Role Creep: Maintaining Safe Boundaries
• Stop Telling Me To Be Careful: Human Factors and Perioperative Safety
• Navigating the Challenges of Robotic Surgery
• When High-Functioning Isn’t Healthy: Rethinking Burnout

Poster Submission Winner

Congratulations Tamara Morley

Poster Entry: Sharp-NEURO: Evaluation of an Advance Multidisciplinary Simulation Course for Safer Neurosurgical Practice

What was the purpose of the event:

To walk away with practical, immediately applicable learning that strengthens communication, reduces risk, and builds a more supportive, high‑performing theatre environment