The BSGE has announced that ASM Manchester 2020 is cancelled. The Society feels that cancelling an event that would take away hundreds of healthcare professionals from the NHS at the time they may be greatly needed, is the right decision.

President Sanjay Vyas spoke to all members saying:

‘It is with great regret that I am writing to inform you that the Officers and Local Organising Committee have decided to cancel our ASM in Manchester on 22 – 24 April, due to recent events.

Earlier this evening, the Prime Minister announced that everyone in the UK should now avoid “non-essential” contact and travel. He added that the government is moving “emphatically away from mass gatherings”. Furthermore, it was suggested that we may be only 3 weeks away from going through what is happening in Italy today. We therefore feel that cancelling an event that would take away hundreds of healthcare professionals from the NHS at the time they may be greatly needed, is the right decision.’

He added:

‘I know that many of you will have been looking forward to the ASM, but I hope that you understand that this decision has been taken due to events outside of our control. I hope we can make our ASM in 2021 a huge and magnificent one. Thank you as always for your support.’