Lunchtime Keynote | Power of the Written Record & Book Signing

Renowned author Michael Rosen shares a deeply personal and moving account of his experience in intensive care during the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring the profound significance of the written word in times of crisis. During his hospital stay, while unconscious and on a ventilator, NHS staff created diary entries on his behalf—a written record of his journey, progress, and the world that continued around him.

In this powerful keynote, Rosen reflects on what these words meant to him in recovery, and how they served as a bridge between the lost time and his reawakening. His story highlights the critical, often undervalued, role of care professionals and the lasting emotional impact of written records.

This session reinforces the enduring value of words, memory, and documentation in shaping human understanding and connection.