The Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD) is hosting an information day for those affected by the arthritic condition Ankylosing Spondylitis (Friday 16 October).
The free event is being held at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, which is affiliated to BIRD, from 10am until 3pm.
It is aimed at patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and those that have an interest in the condition, such as their family and friends.
Included in the day will be talks from experts including Dr Lucy Coates, who will be speaking about what Ankylosing Spondylitis is, and Dr Nick Hall, who will be discussing Anti-TNF therapy – a treatment used to neutralise a key molecule that drives joint inflammation and tissue damage.
Dr Hall said: “This is the first information day for people with Ankylosing Spondylitis that we have organised and it follows a number of similar information days that we have run for patients with different rheumatic conditions. We hope that people will find the day useful and that it will be well attended.”
The day will also include a session on managing fatigue and opportunities to ask questions and participate in discussions. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided and there will be a chance to talk to specialists about Ankylosing Spondylitis and to meet other patients.
The Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD) is an independent registered charity which raises funds to support research and education into many aspects of bone and joint diseases.
The Institute has close links with both the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bath.
The event is taking place at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Upper Borough Walls, Bath. This is the last of three condition-specific information days to be held this year, although more are planned for 2010.
If you would like to know more about these information days then please contact 01225 448444 or email charlottecavill@birdbath.org.uk