Letter from the Editor (Summer 2009)

Editor Cathy Browne reports back on a busy few months.

A warm welcome to readers of the summer edition of Communiqué. This is the last issue in its current format, before we merge to become part of public health.

The past few months have been a very busy period for the committee, beginning in March with the forum's annual conference, "TB here and now". This proved to be extremely successful, illustrating the dedication, enthusiasm and optimism that TB nurses the length and breadth of the country are willing to exhibit, even in such trying times.

Given the backdrop of health pandemics and financial hardship, it was reassuring to see that TB nurses still seize any opportunity to share research, better practice and network with colleagues, whilst the conference itself successfully embraced a number of issues, examining salient topics. Approximately 100 delegates attended the conference, all of whom must be thanked for the thorough feedback they provided, demonstrating that the event was almost unanimously well-received. Particular highlights include "The patient's experience", followed by an excellent presentation on an extra-drug resistant TB patient. The feedback will be put to some constructive use, being assimilated into the planning for the 2010 conference. Additionally, May saw the steering committee return from sunny Harrogate after an interesting and inspiring few days at Congress. Read Stacey Farrow's report of Congress here.

Finally, I would like to thank all those who contributed to Communiqué during my tenure as editor, with a special mention to Lynn Young, RCN Primary Health Care Adviser. Similarly, I cannot thank those in the committee enough for their advice and unwavering enthusiasm to socialise over the last six years.

Have a great summer.