On the weekend of April 20-22 2012, the UK’s Ileostomy Association (I.A.) held their annual National Council Meeting in the famous coastal resort of Blackpool, North West England. They were hosted at the lovely Barceló Imperial Hotel. This three day event is one of the highlights of the IA‘s events and exhibitions calendar and Rover – our roving reporter – was there to bring us a report and some photos.

All the large ostomy companies were present and correct in the exhibition held in the Washington Suite of the Barceló Imperial throughout the three days of the meeting, of which the friday evening was set aside for them to set up their stands.

The official start of the conference was on the Saturday morning. From 9am to 11am the exhibition was open for attendees and delegates to get their first look of this years exhibitors. Following this at 11am was the official welcome and opening speech, given by Mr Nigel A. Scott BSc MD FRCS, President of the North West Lancashire & Cumbria IA & President of the Association of Coloproctology of GB and Ireland (ACPGBI).

After this, and throughout the weekend, a number of guest speakers and delegates were lined up to give speeches and presentations on a number of important issues based around ostomies , bowel diseases and their healthcare.  Mr Scott also gave this years Bryan Brooke Lecture, titled Roadblocks and Assumptions as part of his role as President of the ACPGBI.

On the Sunday two more presentations were given. Sarah Hannam, Community Care Nurse, gave a 25 minute presentation on behalf of Salts Healthcare about Parastomal Hernias: A Survey of Experiences at 9.30am, followed at 9.55am by the Coloplast presentation, The Ostomy Skin Survey presented by companies ostomy care marketing manager, Natalie Lispcombe.

Also held throughout the weekend were a series of business meetings for IA representatives and various workshops. Catering and entertainment was also provided through the weekend, and the meetings appeared to have been a huge success. Photos of the event can be found below.

For more information on the Ileostomy Association, their events or their services please contact them via their website, or email: info@iasupport.org or over the phone on their freephone helpline 0800 0184 724

External Links: 
Ileostomy Association Website: http://www.iasupport.org