We would like to thank our exhibitors and sponsors for sponsoring this meeting. This includes pharmaceutical companies Abbott, AstraZeneca UK, Curaleaf Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo UK Ltd, Fresenius Kabi Ltd, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Idorsia, La Roche-Posay (L'Oreal), NeilMed Ltd, Pfizer Ltd, Pierre Fabre Ltd UK, Theramex, Trion Pharma. They have had no editorial input into or control over the agenda, content development or choice of speakers, nor opportunity to influence except for the sponsored symposia presentations.

Event Schedule

Pulse LIVE Belfast is a free in-person event for GPs, offering practical, expert-led clinical education and valuable CPD. Choose from sessions covering key challenges in general practice, learn from experienced clinicians and connect with colleagues from across Northern Ireland.

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:25 AM
Registration and Exhibition
9:25 AM - 9:30 AM
Chair’s opening remarks
Dr Dan Bunstone, GP Principal & Clinical Director, Warrington Innovation Network
Chair’s opening remarks
Dr Sivatharshini Ramalingam, GP Partner, Oxted Health Centre, Cardio-oncology GPwSI, ICOS Board Certified Cardio-Oncologist, The Royal Brompton Hospital
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Passing on the baton: from late career to the next generation of GPs
Dr Ursula Mason, Chair, Royal College of GPs Northern Ireland
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Managing elevated LDL-C to reduce CV risk in eligible patients
Nicola Smyth, Lead General Practice Pharmacist, East Antrim GP Federation

This promotional symposium has been sponsored by Daiichi Sankyo UK for which Daiichi Sankyo UK is fully responsible.

Daiichi Sankyo medicines will be discussed during the sponsored symposium

Kidney cancer: what’s new and what GPs need to know about diagnosis and referral
Mr Mark Haynes, Consultant Urologist, Chair NI cancer network Urology CRG, Northern Ireland
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
Exhibition and refreshments

Please take some time to visit the exhibition where our supporting partners will be delighted to speak with you.  
Thanks to their support, the event is free to attend. 

11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Evidence based approach to asthma management: the time is now
  • Discuss the implementation of BTS/NICE/SIGN NG245 guideline for the management of asthma in people aged 12 years and over in clinical practice
  • Highlight the risk of SABA over reliance for patients with asthma
  • Share real world experience of how best practice has changed in Primary and Secondary care as a result of implementing this guideline
Dr Fiona McBride, Respiratory Specialty Doctor, Mater Hospital, BHSCT
Maura Corry, Pharmacy Lead for NI GP Federations and General Practice Pharmacist North Belfast Federation

This is a promotional symposium sponsored and organised by AstraZeneca and is intended for UK HCPs only

Chronic primary pain: overcoming challenges in diagnosis and management
Nigel Hart, GP, West Belfast, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care, Queens University Belfast
Dr Kerrie McConnell, Locum GP
Dr Niamh Blythe, General Practitioner on the GP Retention Scheme
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
ChatGP: AI and General Practice
  • Not all AI is equal. Defining “AI” with current examples in the HSC
  • Opportunity and Risk: Weighing value and safety 
  • ‘Just GP' : Self-preservation and ethical considerations for the profession
Dr Craig Wylie, GP, CSO and Fractional Primary Care Advisor
Updates in menopause care
Dr Andrea Latimer, GP, Women’s Health and Menopause Specialist, Occupational Health Doctor
12:25 PM - 1:35 PM
Exhibition and lunch

A complimentary lunch will be provided.

1:35 PM - 2:05 PM
How proactive care can have a meaningful impact - our experience with hypertension management
Dr Dan Bunstone, GP Principal & Clinical Director, Warrington Innovation Network
Cancer and cardiovascular disease - the common link
Dr Sivatharshini Ramalingam, GP Partner, Oxted Health Centre, Cardio-oncology GPwSI, ICOS Board Certified Cardio-Oncologist, The Royal Brompton Hospital
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Adult ADHD in Primary Care: Recognition, Impact and Treatment
  • Recognising how ADHD presents in adults and affects everyday functioning
  • Understanding assessment, diagnosis and the importance of collateral history
  • Reviewing medication, psychological interventions and ongoing monitoring
  • Exploring current challenges in accessing NHS and private ADHD care in Northern Ireland
Dr Pratibha Nirodi, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kingsbridge Hospital
Cancer and cardiovascular disease - the common link (continued)
Dr Sivatharshini Ramalingam, GP Partner, Oxted Health Centre, Cardio-oncology GPwSI, ICOS Board Certified Cardio-Oncologist, The Royal Brompton Hospital
2:40 PM - 3:10 PM
Exhibition and refreshments

Please take some time to ensure you have spoken to all our exhibitors, whose support make this event free.

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM
Recognition and diagnosis of endometriosis in primary care
  • How endometriosis presents at different life stages 
  • Current and future primary care investigations 
  • Starting management in primary care 
Professor Jennifer Johnston, Clinical Professor, Queen's University Belfast and NHS GP
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM
The Big Interview

Hosted by Sofia Lind, Editor, Pulse 

Dr Tom Black, Former Chair, BMA Northern Ireland and GP Partner, Abbey Medical Practice Derry
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Message from the Minister
Mr Robbie Butler MLA, Minister of Health, Northern Ireland
4:15 PM
Close of Conference

We believe the best learning comes from those working day-to-day in general practice. We are open to suggestions.

If you are interested to speak or have a topic in mind you believe would benefit others in primary care, please contact Aneya Sanders, Senior Conference Producer.

If you are interested in sponsoring a session on the Agenda, or exhibiting at the event please contact Ed Burkle, Event Sales Director.

4 CPD hours

Speakers

Dr Tom Black
Dr Tom Black
Former Chair, BMA Northern Ireland and GP Partner, Abbey Medical Practice Derry
Dr Niamh Blythe
Dr Niamh Blythe
General Practitioner on the GP Retention Scheme
Dr Dan Bunstone
Dr Dan Bunstone
GP Principal & Clinical Director, Warrington Innovation Network
Mr Robbie Butler MLA
Mr Robbie Butler MLA
Minister of Health, Northern Ireland
Maura Corry
Maura Corry
Pharmacy Lead for NI GP Federations and General Practice Pharmacist North Belfast Federation
Nigel Hart
Nigel Hart
GP, West Belfast, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care, Queens University Belfast
Mr Mark Haynes
Mr Mark Haynes
Consultant Urologist, Chair NI cancer network Urology CRG, Northern Ireland
Professor Jennifer Johnston
Professor Jennifer Johnston
Clinical Professor, Queen's University Belfast and NHS GP
Dr Andrea Latimer
Dr Andrea Latimer
GP, Women’s Health and Menopause Specialist, Occupational Health Doctor
Dr Ursula Mason
Dr Ursula Mason
Chair, Royal College of GPs Northern Ireland
Dr Fiona McBride
Dr Fiona McBride
Respiratory Specialty Doctor, Mater Hospital, BHSCT
Dr Kerrie McConnell
Dr Kerrie McConnell
Locum GP
Dr Pratibha Nirodi
Dr Pratibha Nirodi
Consultant Psychiatrist, Kingsbridge Hospital
Dr Sivatharshini Ramalingam
Dr Sivatharshini Ramalingam
GP Partner, Oxted Health Centre, Cardio-oncology GPwSI, ICOS Board Certified Cardio-Oncologist, The Royal Brompton Hospital
Nicola Smyth
Nicola Smyth
Lead General Practice Pharmacist, East Antrim GP Federation
Dr Craig Wylie
Dr Craig Wylie
GP, CSO and Fractional Primary Care Advisor