National Office Frequently Asked Questions  

Q  How do I become a member?

A  You can download a membership application, or join online, from the IA website here, or request membership details at info@iasupport.org. We will send you information about IA and what it can offer you, together with a membership application form. Simply fill it in and send it to National Office.

Q  How can I receive the quarterly IA Journal?

A  Every member of IA receives the journal quarterly free of charge. Just follow the instructions above and you will receive one automatically from your local group secretary once you have joined.

Q How do I make the best of a hospital or doctors' appointment?

A Please read the following NHS leaflet  

Q Is there somewhere that I can send surplus or unwanted stoma equipment?

A Jacob's Well of 2 Ladygate, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 8BH (a charity) sends medical supplies to Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and will be pleased to receive any donations of this kind.

Q  What is a Radar Key and how can I obtain one?

A  RADAR is a national key scheme, allowing people to access specially adapted toilets, which are kept to avoid vandalism. A key costs £3.50 on declaration of disability, and a toilet guide is available at a cost of £5.00. Either may be obtained from National Key Scheme, 250 City Road, London EC1V 5SF. Tel. 020 7250 3222, or e-mail radar@radar.org.uk Website : www.radar.org.uk

Q  I suffer from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, how can I contact NACC ?

A  NACC-in-Contact Support Line provides confidential, emotional support to people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and can be contacted on weekday evenings between 6.30pm and 9.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays). The telephone number is 0845 130 3344 - e-mail : nacc@nacc.org.uk  - Website : www.nacc.org.uk

Q  Have you any tips on diet?

A  IA publishes a leaflet entitled ‘Ileostomies and Eating Habits’ which you can request from National Office via e-mail info@iasupport.org, or telephone IA free on 0800 0184 724

Q  What is St. Mark's rehydration solution?

A  This is an electrolyte mix formulated by St. Mark's Hospital, London. A copy of the recipe may be downloaded here :  

Q  Can you give me any exercise tips?

A  IA publishes a leaflet entitled ‘Exercises for Ostomates’, which you can request from National Office. Either e-mail info@iasupport.org, or telephone IA free on 0800 0184 724

Q  Where can I obtain a Travel Certificate?

A  You can obtain a Travel Certificate from National Office. Either e-mail info@iasupport.org, or telephone IA free on 0800 0184 724 The certificate is printed in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.

Q How can I obtain a ‘Cant Wait Card’, to avoid having to wait in a queue for a toilet?

A  These may be obtained from the ConvaTec help line. Call them on freephone 0800 282254.