Reflecting on 2019–2021: A period of change and resilience
Former Chairman John Muir reflected on an eventful three-year period for the North Staffordshire Medical Institute and Wade Conference Centre, spanning major refurbishment, new investment in medical research and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When John became Chairman in 2019, the Institute was entering a positive new chapter. With generous support from the Wade Charitable Trust, an extensive programme of improvements to the building was underway, transforming both its interior and exterior.
A new audiovisual system had already been installed, and the refurbished building became known as the Wade Conference Centre.
Investing in the future
Alongside the physical improvements to the Conference Centre, work was taking place to strengthen the organisation itself.
Bye-laws, membership arrangements and the committee structure were streamlined, while a revised fundraising strategy was developed with the aim of building reserves and increasing the number and value of medical research grants that could be awarded.
New investment managers were also appointed to help ensure the organisation's funds continued to contribute towards its charitable and research objectives.
Supporting medical research in North Staffordshire remained at the heart of this work.
A memorable 2019 Wade lecture
One of the highlights of 2019 was the Wade Lecture delivered by Professor Turi King.
Her lecture explored the discovery of the remains of King Richard III and the scientific investigation that followed. The event attracted a strong audience and was warmly received.
Later that year, the specially commissioned film “Six Decades of Progress” was produced to tell the story of the Institute, its history and its work.
The film was shown as part of the reopening of the newly refurbished Wade Conference Centre, marking an important milestone in the organisation's development.
Facing the challenges of COVID-19
The arrival of COVID-19 brought much of this momentum to an abrupt halt.
Lockdowns and social distancing restrictions resulted in the loss of income from room bookings, while the 2020 Wade Lecture had to be cancelled.
Like organisations across the country, the Institute also had to adapt quickly to virtual meetings and new ways of working.
Further difficulties followed. Damage caused during demolition work at the former Royal Infirmary site resulted in the Conference Centre losing its broadband connection for three months.
An unexpected problem with water ingress through the roof created another unplanned expense.
Despite these challenges, the organisation continued to adapt and move forward.
Renewed support for Medical Research
Financial support secured through Government and local authority grants helped offset some of the income lost during the pandemic.
The value of investments also recovered, while the Research Committee benefited from the return of £79,000 in previously underspent research grants.
Together with the organisation's usual research allocation, this additional funding enabled continued support for individual research awards of up to £20,000.
It also allowed the establishment of a new North Staffordshire Fellowship, offering funding of up to £60,000 for a one-year period to cover salary and project costs.
The Fellowship was created to support researchers in the early stages of their careers who were looking to make the transition from postgraduate work into academic research.
Looking ahead
By the end of John Muir's term as Chairman, there were encouraging signs of recovery and renewed activity.
The Wade Lecture originally planned for 2020 was rescheduled, with Professor Graham MacGregor CBE invited to speak on “The Silent Killers, Salt and Sugar.”
There were also changes within the Wade Conference Centre team. Long-serving Jacqui Robinson retired after many years of dedicated service, while Jeanette Forrester was appointed Chief Operating Officer, supported by Jane Hopkinson and Tony Hill.
Looking back, the years from 2019 to 2021 represented a period of considerable change. They included major investment in the Wade Conference Centre, important developments in research funding and significant disruption caused by the pandemic.
Despite those challenges, the organisation emerged with renewed foundations for the future and an ongoing commitment to supporting medical research and education in North Staffordshire.
As John Muir concluded his term, he handed the Chairmanship to Professor Murray Brunt, expressing his confidence that the organisation was well placed to move forward into its next chapter.