Who is IA
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association (formerly the Ileostomy Association of Great Britain and Ireland) is a mutual support group which has the primary aim of helping people who have had or are about to have their colon removed.
It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom, and it is a national charity (1172338)
What is an Ileostomy/Internal Pouch
Certain Inflammatory bowel diseases e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, sometimes causes considerable damage to a persons large intestine (colon) that it may become necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely. With a Brooke Ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body’s waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag.
Alternatively, a patient who has ulcerative colitis may be able to choose to have an internal pouch, which involves the construction of a reservoir from a section of the ileum, after removal of the affected colon. Someone who has a pouch does not need to wear an external ileostomy appliance (bag). People who have Crohn’s disease cannot usually have an internal pouch.
It is estimated that there are more than 13,500 people a year in Great Britain and Ireland who have colon surgery. This means that you might well have already met someone who has an ileostomy or internal pouch and know that they are able to lead perfectly normal lives.
What are IA’s Aims
- to help anyone who has had, or is about to have, their colon removed to return to a fully active and normal life as soon as possible.
- to help them with all aspects of their rehabilitation including social activities, and relationships with their families, friends, employers, colleagues and members of the general public.
- to work in close co-operation with the medical authorities as part of a team whose primary aim is the complete rehabilitation of every ileostomy or pouch patient.
- to promote and co-ordinate research – not only into ways of improving the quality of life with an ileostomy or pouch, but also into the illnesses which lead to these operations.
- to improve knowledge about the management of ileostomies or pouches and encourage development of new ostomy equipment and skin-care preparation.
Lincolnshire IA supports all the above and in 2026 will hold 2 meetings, The Spring Meeting in May and the Annual General Meeting in November. We hold a number of social events throughout the year in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness. We raise funds to aid the day to day expenses of Lincolnshire IA and to donate to research programs and other related and worthwhile causes. All donations are voted on by the committee.
In 2026 the committee will hold committee meetings in July and December and also trustee/committee meetings in March and October. During the year we hold a two or three course Lunch at Nosey Parker 1 Crusader Road Lincoln LN6 7AS with a free raffle. These are usually held on the first Sunday of April, September and December. The 2 course Lunch costs £15-00 per person and the 3 course Lunch costs £20-00 per person. These are for Lincolnshire IA members only with one guest.
If any members wishes to attend said meetings please contact the Secretary Paul Pyrah for times, dates and venues which are subject to change.
If you have any ideas which could help Lincolnshire IA and its members please contact the Secretary Paul Pyrah, email paul.pyrah@ntlworld.com or mobile 07905 114373.