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 4 days ago |
Alex Browning from Dansac will be giving a chat to our members who will be attending Sutton Coldfield Social on Friday 11th July. Chat as not been confirmed as of yet but will be happening on the day please come along all welcome at thr united Reformed church 1 Brassington Avenue Sutton Coldfield B73 6AA 10.30am till 12.30pm. Come along and say hello.
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Birmingham IA 4 days ago |
I would like to thank Dietician Sophie Turigel from QE hospital for giving up her time and doing the presentation on dietary and hydration advice to our members by zoom this evening very useful and knowledgeable...Hope all who attended enjoyed the presentation and you got some advice that can benefit yourself or anyone who as got a stoma or Pouch.
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Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Don't Forget your travel certificate if considering to travel soon and check birmingham ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association to get your travel tips and and if any of our members want one ask a member of our committee for a travel certificate.
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Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Hope our members get to check out Sophie Turigel A dietician who works along side Melissa Cunha's team at QE hospital. Well worth getting a presentation on dietary advice for people living with a stoma or a pouch...all members will have recieved the link by now 3rd july 730pm by zoom call. These are one of the things we offer our members a chance to get advice from professional dietician who works with people who have stomas and pouches
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Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
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Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
Don't Forget out next social is fast approaching on the 11th July at Sutton Coldfield 10.30am The united Reformed church 1 Brassington Avenue Sutton Coldfield B73 6AA
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Birmingham IA 5 days ago |
It's good to hear that the awareness is getting out there
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Birmingham IA 6 days ago |
We attended this event new cross stoma nurse day in wolverhampton
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Birmingham IA 6 days ago |
Don't Forget The zoom call with Sophie Turigel A interesting presentation on dietary needs for people with ileostomy and pouchies all our members will have the link sent to them 3rd july 730pm...look forward to seeing my of you there
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Birmingham IA 10 days ago |
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.
