Allied health professionals (AHPs) from across north and central London will be discussing their role in the future of the NHS at the first event of its kind on Wednesday 20 April.

Around 150 AHPs, including arts therapists, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and speech and language therapists, are attending the event, which has been organised by the Royal Free London (RFL), University College London Hospitals, and Whittington Hospitals NHS trusts.

Speakers, including Caroline Clarke, chief financial officer of the RFL, Flo Panel-Coates, chief nurse of UCLH and Suzanne Rastrick, chief allied health professions officer for England, will discuss the challenges facing the NHS, how AHPs can contribute to the wider health and social care agendas and ways of increasing collaboration within the sector.

Attendees will also be given the opportunity to debate and quiz senior leaders on a number of issues, including training and education, A&E admissions projects and improving patient experience.

Image: Occupational therapists from the Royal Free London

Notes to editors

Media contacts: rf.mediaenquiries@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.