Your August Update from our President
Welcome to the first of what will become a regular monthly blog from me as the President of the Intensive Care Society. Each month, I'll be sharing highlights of the Society's work, celebrating the achievements of our members and community, and looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing intensive care.
I’ve just returned from two week’s annual leave, and you know it has been a good break when you forget your password! If you have managed to take time away from the unit, I hope you have enjoyed your downtime, and to those of you that have continued to work through the enduring heatwave conditions we want to hear from you about how this is impacting you and your patients. Look out for an ICS Cast podcast on the impact of the heatwaves in the ICU coming soon!
The events team have been busy over the summer preparing for the autumn calendar of educational events. I am looking forward to the very first FUSIC® Critical Care Ultrasound Online Study Day on 16 September followed by what will be a popular Renal Study Day: Critical Care Nephrology on 24 September. Make sure you are booked in, so you don’t miss out! Our Inside Intensive Care webinars series kicks off again in September too. Free for members, it gives intensive care professionals access to practical learning and expert insights.
Alongside our educational activity, we have been working on new initiatives to raise awareness of intensive care and strengthen support for the community we serve. Preparations are well underway for Intensive Care Week 2026, taking place from 7-13 September, with our new ‘I See You’ campaign celebrating the remarkable people behind intensive care. Each day will celebrate a different and special element of intensive care, highlighting the experiences of patients, families and loved ones. We have been engaging patients and supporters to help amplify the campaign and bring critical care stories to a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Intensive Care Week will conclude with the launch of GIVE24, a new public fundraising appeal inspired by the 24-hour nature of intensive care. Running from 24 October to 24 November, GIVE24 will invite members, supporters, patients and families to take on a 24 themed challenge, fundraise, donate and help support the Society's charitable work. Funds raised will support our work to improve care, recovery and outcomes for everyone affected by critical illness through research, education, workforce support, quality improvement, and initiatives that support patients and families during and after intensive care. If you need inspiration, check out David Sapsford’s autumn workout – 24 lunges, 24 burpees, 24 push ups each day for 24 days!
As we prepare for these important campaigns, we invite everyone connected to intensive care to get involved. Whether you share your story, celebrate your ICU team during Intensive Care Week, take on a GIVE24 challenge or simply help spread the word, your support will help shine a spotlight on intensive care and the people whose lives it touches every day.
Together, let's make Intensive Care Week and GIVE24 our biggest and most impactful campaign yet! 💙