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.
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Birmingham IA Yesterday |
This was one of our members and his wife. Tony Mcnicholas and his wife Marie. Tony had been a member with Birmingham IA since 2019 but he sadly passed in may 2025, Tony was a very popular and committed member of our group. Marie always came with Tony to meetings and events. Marie has very kindly donated a sum of money to help Birmingham IA continue providing others with support and a community as Tony found the group helpful for himself and his wife during his time as a member. We are so greatful to Marie and the rest of Tony family and friends for the donation. And I am sure Tony will be sadly missed within the socials and all the members who knew him.
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Birmingham IA 4 days ago |
At the pavillion attending the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Stoma Nurses information day. It was pleasant to meet so many people,who have a stoma. Along side company reps.
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Birmingham IA 7 days ago |
Let's get this out there as this would be a interesting presentation to all us ostomates and pouchies
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Birmingham IA 7 days ago |
A lovely turn out at our Solihull Social Coffee morning, Was lovely seeing our lovely members and our newbies. As without you we would be able to run these groups and a big thanks to Barry Austin from coloplast on his presentation of sore skin issue and the heylo device. Hope our members enjoyed this presentation.
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Birmingham IA 7 days ago |
Look forward to seeing you all at the social coffee morning come say hello
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Birmingham IA 8 days 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.
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Birmingham IA 8 days 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.
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
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.
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
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.
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
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 .
