We were blessed with a sunny day and the company of so many members for our Information Day on Sat 7th May 2022, our first large face-to-face meeting since Covid. We were delighted that so many members joined us at The United Reformed Church in Sutton Coldfield. The Company reps were back to demonstrate their new products and advise members. At the same time, members with Internal Pouches received expert advice from Consultant Colorectal surgeons Mr Charles Hendrickse and Ms Melissa Cunha.
Mike Jameson made a presentation and expressed our enormous gratitude to Mr Charles Hendrickse, who is retiring from his role as President of Birmingham IA after so many years. We were lucky to have some wonderful speakers on the day. Birmingham IA member Jess Logan talked about her journey 'From Sickness to Pageant Queen'.
Emma Harlin, one of our local SCNs from Heartlands Hospital, reported on the impact of the Patients' Snacks Initiative which she established during Covid when patients could not receive visitors. Angie Perrin, Clinical Education Lead at Salts Healthcare and Vice-Chair of ASCN, described the Changing Roles of Stoma Nurses and also told us about the new Salts Nurse Academy in Aston. Patient advocate Sue Blackwell, a stoma patient herself, described some of the latest medical trials, including one on parastomal hernias.
After a delicious lunch provided by Cafe Oasis, the Business Meeting took place, followed by a Question and Answer session led by Mr Hendrickse and Ms Cunha. Members gained expert advice about a range of medical issues. It was a busy, friendly day when we were able to learn more about our health and meet with friends old and new. We're already looking forward to next year's event!
![]() |
Birmingham IA 9 hours ago |
These are a brillant idea for anyone who has a child or someone who might not understand about the stoma/pouch using the books to explain it to them how it helps and what it does and how to cope with them.
![]() |
Birmingham IA 19 hours ago |
A QUICK REMINDER. Our next social coffee meeting at Solihull Methodist Church, look forward to seeing you there. All are welcome to pop along.
![]() |
Birmingham IA Yesterday |
How about pop along to the cancer bus tour around Birmingham if you feel worried about anything,put your mind at ease by getting your issues checked.
![]() |
Birmingham IA Yesterday |
Please keep hydrated and safe in this heat please check out our website Birmingham ileostomy and pouch organisation, to get the latest information on how to stay hydrated in warmer weather. Our members get all this imformation and more by joining birmingham IA check website out for our form to join.
![]() |
Birmingham IA Yesterday |
Keep up the good work ...so proud of one our birmingham members of all his hard work and all his fund raising...please donate if you ever see our Keith doing any fundraising as IA is so proud of all his does please send your praise to Keith.A lovely man .
![]() |
Birmingham IA 2 days ago |
Don't Forget About Sophie Turigel A local dietician who works along side Melissa Cunha's team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Presentation on dietary advice for ostomists and pouches By zoom: Thursday 3rd july at 7.30pm All Birmingham IA members welcome Come along and get some upto date advice.
![]() |
Birmingham IA 3 days ago |
Sending out throughts and prayers to the family of professor Neil Smart at this sad time
![]() |
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
This is the advice on how to keep hydrated with a stoma.. this information is on IA ileostomy &internal pouch Association website. Please go have a read, as ideal to understand the importance of hydration
![]() |
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Don't forget to book your place
![]() |
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Happy Fathers Day Want to wish all our members a happy fathers day