Birmingham IA's Information Day on May 17th at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre brought together patients, healthcare professionals, and suppliers for a day packed with practical knowledge and support.
Venue and Schedule
The centrally-located BCEC near New Street Station proved an appropriate choice for this year's event. The day began with a lively Suppliers' Exhibition where attendees explored the latest products before moving into the main presentation programme.
Informative Presentations
After introductions from Mike Jamieson of Birmingham IA and then Lauren Henderson from Fittleworth, the event main sponsor, attendees benefited from a series of focused talks by healthcare and other experts.
Sophie Turigel shared practical dietary advice specifically for ostomists, while Samantha Lee offered realistic strategies for managing work life with chronic illness.
Scott Clifford's moving presentation highlighted the importance of effective support systems, and Uchu Meade delivered clear guidance on medication matters, including pharmacokinetics for ostomists and pouch patients, and medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Community Building
The buffet lunch provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and speak directly with suppliers and speakers about their specific needs.
Afternoon Programme
President of Birmingham IA, and Consultant Colo-rectal surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, Miss Melissa Cunha's afternoon presentation on hydration for ostomists and internal pouch patients was particularly well-received, sparking numerous questions and discussions that addressed common concerns.
As well as a raffle, sponsored by Moonpig, the afternoon wrapped up with a short, but lively, AGM and Business Meeting.
A special presentation was made to Birmingham IA member Keith Kightley for his marathon Birmingham IA fundraising achievements.
Outgoing Birmingham IA committee members, Syeda Akhter and Andy Greenaway, were each presented with a gift to thank them for all of their valuable work for Birmingham IA.
Accessibility
For those unable to attend in person, the live-stream ensured that the wider community could still access the valuable information shared throughout the day.
Impact
The £10 attendance fee helped cover costs while supporting Birmingham IA's ongoing work.
Feedback from both in-person and online attendees was positive, with many highlighting the practical, applicable nature of the information provided.
Birmingham IA thanks all who contributed to this successful event, including a special thanks to Shelagh (committee member Ailidh's mum), for her excellent photography throughout the day, and looks forward to building on this year's format for future information days.
 |
Birmingham IA 5 hours ago |
Just shown on the BBC news bout this research about how exercise can improve chances with surviving colon cancer
|
Birmingham IA Yesterday |
This study is about potential biomarkers for joint inflammation in crohns disease I found really interesting read
|
Birmingham IA Yesterday |
We all have times in our journeys that we suffer with the anxiety of leakage here is a few hints and tips may help
|
Birmingham IA 2 days ago |
Hope all members enjoy the latest journal from IA, it also has one of our own members, Ailidh who has publishes her journey,a very inspirational story and like all of us we all have been through difficult times in a stoma journeys that is what makes us unique but our stomas are what makes us stronger and Birmingham IA is a good community to not only make friends but support each other at our highs and lows. Please read as plenty of information goes into these journals to keep us upto date.
|
Birmingham IA 3 days ago |
Anyone who has crohns or colitis or know someone who is living with any of these conditions please check these virtual sessions out may find some interests
|
Birmingham IA 3 days ago |
Some information for those who may feel little embarrassed to ask about or feel it's too personal to talk about
|
Birmingham IA 4 days ago |
Some good tips for anybody going camping or likes hiking with a stoma
|
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
|
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
100\u0025 always be proud of your journeys
|
Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Don't forget IA together social meeting is round the corner. A chance to come together and get to know each other .