The Isle of Wight conferences have always been designed for the multidisciplinary diabetes teams, both within the primary and secondary care sectors. For the past few years, the conferences have involved people with diabetes as full participants and this will be the format again this year.

This year’s conference will focus on two broad issues which are important in the delivery of diabetes care for all the people with diabetes - on the first day, it will address the current uncertain relationship between primary and secondary care in diabetes, and on Saturday, it will devote most of the time to practical aspects of clinical governance for general practice and hospital services. It is the firm intention to conclude with definite decisions which will then be proclaimed nationally.

Because of the smaller size of the conference hotel this year it will be necessary to restrict the number of participants.

VENUE: This year the conference will be held in the Melville Hall Hotel, Sandown. This is a small hotel and we have therefore rented a number of small hotels within walking distance of the conference hotel. Throughout the conference a minibus will be available for delegates to transfer between the hotels for those who prefer not to exercise or should it rain.

All the hotels have a minimum rating of three crowns. The cost of accommodation includes breakfast.

REGISTRATION FEE: This includes coffee, tea and lunch.

BY AIR: From Heathrow Airport you should take the Coach Air Link service to Woking from where you should take the train to Portsmouth Harbour. On arrival, walk across the platform to the waiting Catamaran service to Ryde. From Ryde Esplanade take either a taxi to the hotel or travel by train to Sandown Station and then take a taxi.

From Gatwick Airport you should take the train to Portsmouth Harbour and follow the instructions given above.

From Eastleigh Airport, Southampton, there are coaches to the Ferry Terminal in Southampton. You should then take the fast Jet Service to Cowes. It is advisable to take a taxi from Cowes to the hotel or alternatively, you can travel by bus to Sandown. Taxi to Sandown is likely to be expensive.

It is easier and cheaper to get to Sandown from Ryde which is approached from Portsmouth Harbour. There are fast trains from London Waterloo Station to Portsmouth Harbour. You can also get to the island from Southampton; you should then follow the instructions given above.

BY CAR: The island can be reached by car ferry operated by Wightlink and Red Funnel.

Wightlink Service ( telephone 0990 827744) - Lymington to Yarmouth (20 minute crossing), Portsmouth to Fishbourne (40 minute crossing)

Red Funnel (telephone: 01703 334010/333042) - Southampton to East Cowes