Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been given a valuable insight into diet, the latest research and quality of life after treatment during a special event organised by experts at Colchester Hospital.
Saturday’s medical meeting, which was hosted jointly by the hospital and the Crohn’s and Colitis UK (CCUK) charity, saw around 50 people listen to talks on quality of life after surgery, food and the research trials which are currently taking place at Colchester. Patients were also given the chance to ask questions and get help and advice from the hospital’s colorectal surgeons, dietitians, research nurses and IBD clinical nurse specialists.
During the meeting, the North Essex CCUK branch also received a donation of £260 from Chris Millar. The money was raised at Debbie Millar’s School of Dance’s annual show, held at the Westcliff Theatre in Clacton at the start of May, and will be used to fund future events and help raise awareness of IBD.
Miss Sharmila Gupta, consultant colorectal surgeon at the hospital, said: “We were delighted with the success of Saturday’s meeting, which was really well attended by patients and their families. We hope that everyone who came along found the talks useful and picked up some tips to help them live well with IBD.”
Alison Fisk, chairman of the North Essex Crohn’s and Colitis Network, said: “Saturday’s event gave people a really valuable chance to ask questions and find out more about what can be a difficult subject in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
“Our group is open to anyone with Crohn’s or colitis, as well as their families or carers, and offers vital support and friendship and the chance to share experiences. We would encourage anyone with IBD to come along to one of our get togethers and find out how we can help.”
For more information about the North Essex Crohn’s and Colitis Network, search for “Crohn’s and Colitis UK North Essex Network” on Facebook or visit www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/local-network/south-east/north-essex
Alison Fisk from CCUK and Chris Millar,
who made the £260 donation
IBD clinical nurse specialists
Joy Mason (L) and Kelly Turner (R)
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