Previous Pelican workshops have helped to refine treatment and improve outcomes and the principles and concepts of these workshops have been replicated in part, or in whole, in many parts of the world.
The OReCO national education programme will see 20 one-day workshops delivered from January 2024 to December 2026. The workshops will be funded by charitable resources and there will be no charge for delegate attendance.
| Year | Region | Date | Location | Status |
| 2024 | Wessex | 24 January | Basingstoke | Completed |
| South Wales | 11 March | Newport | Completed | |
| London 1 | 2 May | London | Completed | |
| North Wales | 19 July | Conwy | Completed | |
| Scotland 1 | 11 September | Edinburgh | Completed | |
| Oxfordshire | 7 November | Oxford | Completed | |
| 2025 | Trent | 30 January | Nottingham | Completed |
| Yorkshire | 13 March | York | Completed | |
| London 2 | 8 May | London | Completed | |
| Republic of Ireland | 2 September | Dublin | ||
| Northern Ireland | 4 September | Belfast | ||
| Scotland 2 | 8 October | Glasgow | ||
| South West | 6 November | Bristol | ||
| 2026 | West Midlands | 21 January | Birmingham | |
| North West | March | Manchester | ||
| Northern | May | Newcastle | ||
| East Anglia | July | Cambridge | ||
| London 3 | September | Central London | ||
| Mersey | November | Liverpool | ||
| Wash Up | December | Basingstoke |
Workshop Overview
London Chapter : 8 May 2025 : London
In total, 123 clinicians attended the second OReCO London workshop from 29 hospitals across the London region.
- Very interesting discussions regarding organ preservation in early rectal cancers and management of complex rectal cancers. LARS topic was excellent.
- Good update and discussion of new concepts and techniques. Interesting case discussion on complex management issues. Thank you.
- It validates our practice having a dedicated rectal cancer MDT and dedicated rectal cancer surgeons.
- It surely will guide me to detect early complications and risks and will help to address/signpost patients to available services.
Yorkshire Chapter: 13 March 2025: York
In total, 94 clinicians attended the OReCO Yorkshire workshop from 16 hospitals across the Yorkshire region.
- I enjoyed all sessions and gained more knowledge in organ preservation. Acknowledged lack of knowledge and support for patients with LARS.
- This workshop has given me confidence to lessen the importance of nodal status.
- I think the surgeons will have a better insight into the challenges of TNT and organ preservation after this. I think we will have better debate about the pros and cons.
- Will push for key information from Radiology more and ensure a better understanding of patient information.
Trent Chapter: 30 January 2025: Nottingham
In total, 51 clinicians attended the OReCO Trent workshop from 4 hospitals across the Trent region.
- Interesting changes afoot. It is a great opportunity to see how things have progressed / will progress in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
- It has given me more confidence in that we all doing our best for better outcomes.
- Enhancing my knowledge will allow a greater knowledge to pass onto my patients.
- Useful for understanding patient options and informed consenting. Clear focus on MDT working and teamwork.
Oxford Chapter : 7 November 2024 : Oxford
In total, 48 clinicians attended the OReCO Oxford workshop from 4 hospitals across the Oxfordshire region.
- Broad range of topics – particularly useful to hear about rationale for neoadjuvant treatment decisions.
- It allowed me to recognise that lymph nodes in isolation are not as prognostically important as once thought.
- Lots of useful tips. Highlighting importance of patient choice e.g. with operation choice, risk of LARS etc.
Scotland Chapter : 11 September 2024 : Edinburgh
In total, 62 healthcare professionals attended the OReCO Scotland workshop from 17 hospitals across the region.
- It has been good for team building in our MDT and we are thinking of returning to face-to-face MDT meetings rather than using teams.
- Motivates us to continue to develop our current service to benefit the patients. Widened knowledge particularly on oncological aspects of treatment of rectal cancer.
- As a pathologist, better understanding of the implications of my reports and importance of MDT discussions.
North Wales Chapter : 19 July 2024 : Conwy
In total, 41 clinicians attended the OReCO North Wales workshop from 3 hospitals across the region.
- The importance of different clinical options relating to treatment options and the need to discuss these with patients. Good discussions after each presentation
- As a colorectal nurse I can definitely use the LARS templates and Q&A.
- Provided me with more insight into rectal cancer treatments, complications & risks of surgery & the impact on patient’s quality of life
London Chapter : 2 May 2024 : London
In total, there were 146 attendees at the OReCO London workshop from 26 hospitals across the region.
- It will greatly impact our views in discussing rectal cancers in MDT and to patients.
- We need the things that have been discussed in this meeting formalised and distributed. This information is imperative to the good functioning of our MDT’s.
- Feel better informed about making decisions, although areas of uncertainty remain for all, I feel better informed of known unknowns.
South Wales Chapter : 11 March 2024 : Newport
In total, there were 53 attendees at the OReCO London workshop from 9 hospitals across the region.
- Greater understanding of all the issues that need consideration. Better appreciation for issues important to other specialists in MDT
- Discussion around the cases were really interesting and useful
- Functional bowel – post TME most valuable as this is the biggest factor that has the most patient impact post-surgery
Wessex Chapter : 24th January 2024 : Basingstoke
In total, there were 48 attendees at the OReCO London workshop from 7 hospitals across the region.
- Really valuable to discuss difficult cases and see the variation in opinion. Good to meet with local colleagues as we don’t do this enough.
- Expert discussion of the problems we see routinely and don’t have answers to.
- All very informative. Enjoyed the MDT and interactive discussions.
If you would like to hear more about Pelican OReCO and how you can support this programme please contact Jane Staff: j.staff@pelicancancer.org