Service users, carers and professionals in the Midlands gained a wealth of information and a different perspective on spina bifida and hydrocephalus at a recent ASBAH conference in Birmingham.
Advisers Geraldine Long and Jenny Green were aware that an information day was needed in the central area, and worked together to set up the event at the Tally Ho Conference Venue.
The conference attracted plenty of interest with 76 delegates – made up of service users, parents and medical and other professionals.
Colleagues from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital were keen to offer their services and talks were given by: Mr Solanki, neurosurgeon; Mr Parashar, urologist; Mr Bache, orthopaedic surgeon and psychologist Dr Blyth.
Jenny said: “Their talks were excellent, but for many the highlights of the day
were the presentations of four parents who gave moving accounts of their families’ journeys with the condition.
“Two adult service users also gave excellent presentations ending the day on an upbeat note, describing their active lives and offering advice to parents and professionals working with young people today.”
“Feedback indicated that even those with experience of the condition gained new learning and new perspectives from the highly informative and accessible lectures.”
Geraldine and Jenny thank the many people who helped put on the first class event – from the speakers and the local Hollister representative through to ASBAH colleagues Rosemary Batchelor and Lisa Ramon and the many volunteers who helped to run the day.
