MDS UK attend British Society for Haematology (BSH) annual scientific meeting
5 Jun. 2024
Lead researcher Blossom Bell & Support Ambassador for Scotland, Maureen Sturrock
In late April, MDS UK attended this year’s British Society for Haematology (BSH) annual scientific meeting in Liverpool.
This three-day, annual event brings the professional haematology community together, to listen and learn from each other, and transform the care BSH members provide to those affected by haematological conditions
Our main aim of attending was to increase awareness of MDS UK in the wider blood cancer community, by highlighting the support we offer and the difference this can make to their patients. Since many people find us through referrals from their consultant or nurse, it's crucial that we raise awareness of MDS UK within the clinical community.
Over the three days our stand was visited by many health professionals, particularly by those treating MDS and CMML patients. Our literature was well received and stocks of our newly revised MDS Guide and Patient Information Booklets soon disappeared, with additional orders to fulfil once we got back to the office.
Maureen Sturrock delivering her presentation 'Patient Power – B positive in A negative situation'
Maureen Sturrock
MDS UK was also well represented during conference sessions. Our member and support ambassador for Scotland, Maureen Sturrock delivered an outstanding presentation titled “Patient Power – B positive in A negative situation”, highlighting the impact of an MDS diagnoses from a patient's perspective and the importance of promoting the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, substance cessation, and relationships. This was very well received, and Maureen plans to take her presentation ‘on the road’ as a result!
Maureen also used the opportunity during her presentation to emphasise the benefits of support groups for patients - patient support being a “hot” topic that came up time and again during the event. There was even a dedicated session called 'The Patient Support Groups' – where four patients shared their own blood cancer journeys, highlighting the huge benefits they gained through engaging with support groups, and what type of support they found most valuable.
The main aim of the patient support session was to highlight to professionals all the reasons why they should signpost patients to support groups like ours. An aim achieved, as the session attendees were asked if they were more likely to refer patients to support groups because of the session, and their response was 100% yes. Interestingly, after this session our MDS stand experienced an influx of visitors and patient literature requests - that alone made the trip to Liverpool worthwhile!
In summary, our attendance at this years’ BSH achieved our main aim, to increase MDS UK awareness among professionals and distribute our literature so patients receive copies at time of diagnosis. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of professionals understanding the benefits of support groups from the patient’s perspective.
With that in mind, we would like to hear from you!
We want to understand what we're doing right at MDS UK and where we can serve you better. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or family member, by sharing your thoughts in our 'MDS UK Survey 2024', your insights will help us offer better support and introduce new services that benefit you. We invite you to join a one-time interview, either online via Microsoft Teams or by phone. We'll explore your support needs, understand your experience with MDS UK, and identify areas for improvement. For more information and to register your interest in participating, click the orange button below.
