Using technology to encourage young people to manage their diabetes, and data to inform decisions about patients with chronic kidney disease are among the topics at this year's BCS Healthcare Computing showcase in Harrogate.

This year's HC 2009, Shaping the Future event, from 28-30 April, will feature presentations on all the major programmes of work planned and delivered for the NHS by NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH). There will also be a number of panel debates, including an interactive session on leadership chaired by professional comedian Gerry Maguire Thompson as well as a discussion on the vital role nursing staff will make to the implementation of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT).

For the first time, members of the public and commercial organisations whose content and delivery meets required standards will be given an opportunity to give a talk to delegates on subjects of interest.

Sheila Bullas, from the BCS' influential Health Informatics Forum, said: 'We're delighted that this year Connecting for Health is playing such a full role in the development of the conference streams and we welcome their significant contribution to the debate on how health informatics can be used to improve the quality of patient care and patient experience.'

In contrast with previous years, there will be a straight entry fee that will enable delegates to see both the exhibition stands and also access the conference streams. Presentations will also be linked to the content of stands belonging to individual exhibitors.