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 6 days ago |
Don't Forget this is fast approaching..ideal to get more information about having your internal pouch and speaking to others who have one too..all welcome go to Birmingham IA website for more information on this advice .
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Birmingham IA 6 days ago |
Just a quick reminder to all our members please look after yourself in this weather a we can get dehydrated quickly with having a stoma. Please stay hydrated by drinking plenty..check our hydration brochure out for more info at our Birmingham IA website to give you hints and tips to stay hydrated.
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Birmingham IA 8 days ago |
We throught you might like to know that next have launched a range of stoma underwear it greats to see companies are addressing our needs
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
Don't Forget we have IA Together Meeting Saturday 13th September At The Fight Club Darts On Temple Street Birmingham B2 5BN Meet up at 11:45am As games will be booked for 12pm. It's costs £15 each person for 90minutes Need payment by the 6th September the Latest to confirm booking for you. If would like going for a meal after if anyone wants to join us. For more information or to book your place please contact Ailidh or Mark. Time to have fun with our fellow Ostemates and catch up for a chat.
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Birmingham IA 9 days ago |
hope all our members have enjoyed the warmer weather and kept safe with all the steps our NHS have set to keep you all safe.
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Birmingham IA 14 days ago |
It's good to hear that other countries are aware of being stoma friendly with their toilet facility's
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
Some of our team Kal, Derek, Bogusha and Ailidh who was at clinimed and secure care event day which was about welling meet up at edgebaston golf course.
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
I hope all are keeping well over the holiday period. Don't Forget we are here for you our one-2-one suport volunteers are always on hand yo chat to about anything. No issue is to small, we will try and help you with what ever we can.
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Birmingham IA 19 days ago |
This could be a interesting read
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Birmingham IA 23 days ago |