Latest News

Airport Body Screening...
IA is currently considering a strategy to deal with the measures which may be introduced at UK airports but in the meantime, we would strongly recommend that you carry a Travel Certificate with you at all times so that you have a document to present to security staff to describe your condition, should this be required. It may also be helpful to have a letter from your GP. If you do not already have a Travel Certificate, we will be pleased to send you one by post (please contact IA National Office). Helpful Department of Transport links can be found here and here. A downloadable PDF prepared by IA concerning body screening can be found here

Young IA Weekend - Bookings being taken now...
Bookings are now being taken for the 2010 Young IA weekend which take place in Belfast over the weekend of 3rd to 5th September. The event is open to those aged between 18 and 40. Included with the registration fee of £50 are a local bus tour, and a meal out on the Saturday evening. Attendees will be responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. Further information may be found in the Young IA section of this website here

Join IA Online...!
You are able to join our association via this website. For further information please click here.

Air Crisis - help available for ostomists...
During the current air travel crisis Fittleworth are able to help those stranded without products – please visit their World Alliance Page at www.fittleworth.net. Additional help may also be available from the International Ostomy Association at www.ostomyinternational.org where there is cover for most countries in patient support.

New publications on Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published its final appraisal on the use of Infliximab in Crohns patients and NACC have included a brief of the 40 page appraisal on its website - please see here. NACC have also recently published an article on the increased risk of clotting in patients with active IBD - please see here.

Travel certificates - advice to ileostomists...
In view of the current security restrictions being imposed on travellers, IA suggests that it is advisable for all ileostomists and internal pouch patients to carry a travel certificate with them at all times. Travel certificates are available from IA National Office for IA members (phone 0800-0184724, or e-mail info@iasupport.org), and many of the ostomy equipment manufacturers (click here) can also supply them. IA travel certificates are available both for patients with an ileostomy, or with an internal pouch - please specify which you require.

Department of Health Statement
Latest Update : please click here for latest information

New Local Group Websites launched...
A project is under way within IA whereby it is hoped that many of its 50+ local groups will manage their own mini-sites within the pages of this main IA website, and display local contacts and events. A few mini-sites have already been launched - please click on the "select local site" button (above right) for further information.

IA Journal - receive your copy regularly...
IA members receive a copy of the IA Journal free of charge every quarter in March, June, September, and December. If you are not a member at the moment, and would like to see a past edition of our quarterly publication, you will find a PDF copy here. You will need to join IA in order to receive a regular copy - joining details can be found here.

*Please dont throw your spare bags away!*
Any surplus ostomy equipment can be used in countries in Eastern Europe or the Middle East where supplies are difficult to get hold of. Contact "Jacobs Well" of 2 Ladygate, Beverley, East Yorks, HU17 8BH (01482-881162) for details.

IA subscriptions
Reminder! - IA Members should renew their subscriptions promptly please to ensure continued receipt of your IA Journal and local news. Payments should be sent to your local treasurers, or you can now renew online here.

IA Visiting Course
IA arranges training courses for its accredited Visiting Officers from time to time. If you are interested in taking part in visitor training please contact IA National Office, or click here for more information. In order to participate, you will need to be a member of IA, and at least 18 months post-op.

Local Events
Local groups may advertise IA activities in their own areas, eg AGMs, open days, etc. in the Events section of this website - send details (date, time, venue, brief description) to website@iasupport.org or to IA National Office.

Travelling to Europe?
The regulations for E111 forms (now EHIC) have been updated. Click here to view updated information.

Travelling to the USA?
Anyone travelling from the UK to the USA now has to register 72 hours in advance. Full details available here

Airport Security Restrictions
For further information on the present restrictions being applied to airline hand luggage, including prescription medicines and medical items, please click here.

Pouch Information Day - now fully booked...
IA has organised another Pouch Information Day which will take place in York on 6th March. This will particularly informative to those who have an internal pouch or are thinking of undertaking such surgery. Further details may be found here. When fully booked, we will be taking names for a waiting list in case places become available - please contact IA national office in this connection.