Free info night for inflammatory bowel disease
Help is at hand for more than 4500 people in western Sydney who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD is a term for several chronic, debilitating gastrointestinal conditions that are rising in prevalence in children and adults, causing symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, internal bleeding, fever and fatigue.
Clinicians from Blacktown and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead are hosting a free information forum at Blacktown Hospital on 13 August from 6-8.30pm for people to learn and hear more about IBD.
Dr Viraj Kariyawasam, who leads the IBD service at Blacktown Hospital, encouraged people to attend the forum to learn about IBD and find out about the hospital’s services.
“This is an excellent opportunity for patients and their families to relate to others who are in a similar situations, which is always important when you are suffering from a chronic condition,” Viraj said.
“People will hear about the latest technology and developments, including clinical trials with Blacktown Hospital which allow patients to access the latest medications before they are made widely available.”
Blacktown Hospital IBD service started in 2014 and has grown over the last five years to now manage more than 200 patients who suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The service runs three consultant-led outpatient clinics each month, providing expert advice on inpatient care and a twice-weekly biologic infusion clinic.
The hospital has introduced the first district dedicated IBD nurse, which has been identified as an integral part of an IBD service in the recently adopted IBD National Action Plan.
Blacktown Hospital IBD nurse Maria Tiongson provides face-to-face consultations, advice on a dedicated phone line and via email, reviews blood tests and refers patients for further specialist care.
Free information forum details:
When: Tuesday 13 August Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Where: Auditorium, UWS Clinical School, Blacktown Hospital Refreshments available
To attend the information forum bookings are essential. Please RSVP by 9 August to https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/find-support/ibd-information-forums/blacktown-ibd-information-forum/ email support@crohnsandcolitis.com.au
For further information about Blacktown Hospital’s IBD clinic, please email WSLHD-IBDHelplineBT@health.nsw.gov.au
