Programme

The programme will be chaired by Yvonne McKenzie, Clinical Lead in IBS for the Gastroenterology Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association, and will include   leading specialists in the area of IBS.

Dr Simon Smale, a gastroenterologist from York, will set the scene with a talk entitled, ‘What is IBS and why is it important?’.  He recently explained that ….  ‘Many Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have remained firmly fixed in a directive model of healthcare; we tell people what they need to do and they are expected to find ways to make the necessary changes. Sometimes this works but often people struggle to find their route to better health. Individuals know what is happening in their lives from day to day. People with symptoms are probably best placed to identify their own individual triggers. They are certainly familiar with the barriers to making any change in their lives and well placed to develop ways to overcome them.’

He will be followed by Dr Anthony Hobson, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Director at the Functional Gut Clinic, the UK’s first dedicated, independent gastrointestinal physiology service with clinics in London, Manchester and other UK regions, who will talk about the importance of breath tests to diagnose carbohydrate intolerance and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Next, Professor Peter Whorwell, a senior gastroenterologist and clinical researcher from Manchester, who has spent a lifetime conducting research in IBS, publishing key papers demonstrating the benefits of hypnotherapy and the risks of dietary fibre, will deliver what promises to be an intriguing lecture on ‘The Politics of IBS’.

In the afternoon, Dr Adam Farmer, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Researcher at The London Hospital, who was recently nominated as a rising star in gastroenterological research in Europe, will talk about the importance of ‘relationships’.    

He will be followed by Vicky Grant, who suffers with IBS herself and is a trustee of The IBS Network.  Vicky’s topic will be ‘Self care through IBS support groups’, which will no doubt include the importance of being able to tell your story and be heard.

The academic programme will conclude with the chairperson, Yvonne Mackenzie, who will present a vision of what the future might hold for people with IBS.

After each talk, there will be the opportunity for audience engagement with time for open debate and Q&As. A number of breakout sessions are also planned for smaller group discussions so that delegates can express what works for them and what they want for the future and learn from others.  There will also be a lunch time demonstration of the Food Maestro app, specially designed for people on a low FODMAP diet.

All delegates will be able to listen and contribute to discussions throughout the day, attend the trade exhibition, enjoy a tasty gut-friendly lunch and receive a delegate bag which contains a four week supply of Alflorex (valued at £24.95), a full size 200ml sample of Silicolgel (valued £8.29), a free bottle of A2 Milk and money off vouchers for Dr Schär’s gluten free products plus lots of support information.

The programme will conclude with this year’s Annual General Meeting of The IBS Network, at which members will be able to vote on plans for the future development of the charity.

So do join the team at the conference and enjoy what promises to be an excellent day, which will undoubtedly alter your perspective on IBS. Enrol by booking online or calling 0114 272 3253.  Tickets are available at just £5