Coronavirus – STAY AT HOME
COVID-19 UPDATE JANUARY 2021
The Government has introduced new national restrictions which means that from 5th January 2021, we must all stay at home and avoid meeting people we do not live with, except for specific purposes.
Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading.
Protect yourself, your family and others.
We are in regular contact with families to give regular updates on the advice from the Lead Clinicians and multidisciplinary teams from the Alström Adults and Children’s clinics.
Remember we are here for you. Just a phone call or email away. You can call us or we can call you.
Links to the full guidance can be found HERE
We have brought together a range of resources, from support services, guidance and how to stay entertained, follow this link to find out more http://www.alstrom.org.uk/family-support/
Stay safe and well.
Alström Syndrome UK offer:
- Support for families and individuals affected
- Caring and Supportive Community
- Promotion of Innovative Research
- Medical Screening Clinics where patients can receive the most up to date information to manage their condition
- Alström Syndrome Medical Handbook
- Family and Professional Conference
- Opportunities to have Fun and be part of our exciting projects!
It is important to remember, AS symptoms may develop at different stages and not everyone is affected by all of the symptoms. Even amongst siblings the symptoms can vary.
Alström Syndrome UK has three key aims:
- To support people who are affected by Alström Syndrome including their carers and the professionals who are working with them
- To raise awareness amongst both the public and medical professions of Alström Syndrome
- To raise funds to promote research into Alström Syndrome
Emergency Numbers
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital offers AS multi-disciplinary clinics and AS specialists. In an emergency your first point of contact should always be to call 999. If you need to speak to a medical expert in Alström Syndrome please contact ASUK and we will put you in touch with the correct specialist. If you would like to speak to the AS Clinical Lead please contact either:
- Dr Tarek Hiwot (adult services), Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham: 07979 127826 or alternatively via the QEH switchboard: 0121 627 2000
- Prof Tim Barrett (children’s services), Birmingham Children’s Hospital: 0121 333 9999
What does the new lock-down mean for you?
New Year, brings another new lockdown! As I am sure you are all aware, the Government has introduced new national restrictions which means that from 5th January 2021, we must all stay at home and avoid meeting people we do not live with, except for specific purposes. I am sure once again you all have your own worries, concerns and questions about what this
Hot off the press…Winter Newsletter, out now!
As the weather is beginning to get crisp and cold, grab something warm and take 5 minutes to read our latest newsletter. Filled with lots of stories of what the Alstrom Community has been up to and how ASUK has been supporting families through these difficult times. Find out how you can register for the
Time to Talk – Organ Donation
To coincide with Organ Donation Week from the 7th – 13th September 2020, we would like to shine a spotlight on Organ Donation – looking at the right information to help you make the right choices for you and your family. Sifting through the myths and getting to the facts of the matter. The NHS
Hot off the press… Summer newsletter out now!
As the weather is hotting up, pop your feet up, grab something chilled and take 5 minutes to read our latest newsletter. Check out Melissa cooking up a storm in the kitchen and read how equipment is making a real difference in our families lives. You can download your pdf copy HERE or as a word
Big Eid – Celebrations!
Time to celebrate! On Friday 31st July Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid Ul-Adha, the second of the annual Eid festivals, referred to as ‘Big Eid.’ This festival occurs directly after the month of Hajj in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj is the great Pilgrimage every Muslim must attend once in their lifetime, it
Have your say…
Have your say… As you know the world has changed as we know it, with everything now becoming virtual and that has included our multidisciplinary clinics too… In June 2020, NHS England facilitated a consultation to learn more about patients experience of telemedicine clinics, 3 AS patients contributed to the telephone consultation and as you
Global Genes Summit 2018
ASUK along with 800 other rare disease organisations, patients and advocates attended the Global Genes Summit in California between 3-4th September this year. Global Genes was founded in 2008 with the goal of helping families affected by rare disease connect with tools, resources, and much needed support, helping eliminate the challenges of rare disease. The
Wow! – Listen to Inspirational Kion on BBC Radio 2
Listen to inspirational Kion (pictured below) who featured on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans morning show, on Monday 13th November 2017. Follow the link below to the recording, if you move the iplayer to 2 hours 1 min you can hear from Kion speaking about having Alstrom Syndrome and the work of Alstrom Syndrome UK to promote
Breaking down Barriers website launched
Breaking down Barriers, website has launched! Developing supportive and inclusive services for individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. Have a look at the new website to find out more about this project and the fantastic work being achieved. http://breaking-down-barriers.org.uk/
EURORDIS: access to medicines for all
EURORDIS has published their position on early access to medicines in Europe; arguing for compassionate use to become a reality so patients in urgent need get the help and treatments needed. Currently many medicines take far too long to develop which for many rare and complex conditions these medical interventions are needed now. A compassionate
Awareness Animation is Launched!
ASUK is very excited to launch our Alström Syndrome ‘Living with a Rare Disease’ animation to raise awareness and understanding about this rare disease. Let’s all raise awareness and share this animation with friends, family, relevant organisations and professionals to spread the word about this ultra rare condition. Click on the image below to watch
Hot off the Press! – Summer Newsletter Out NOW!
As the weather is hotting up, grab something chilled and take 5 minutes to read our latest newsletter. Filled with lots of stories from our members including travels to Barbados and America and how Birmingham Bobbies made dreams come true… Find out how you can get involved in planning your Family Event on the
Around the World with Alstrom #AlstromGlobal
Jetting off to the Alstrom Syndrome International Conference in the USA! ASUK Trustee, Alex Griffiths-Rayson and Chief Executive, Ann Chivers set-off on the 30th April 2019 to attend the Alstrom Syndrome International conference in Texas, USA. The event was spread over 5 days from the 2nd – 6th May 2019 and included family and professional
News, Views and Useful Links… March 2019 edition
In this latest edition, read how one of our members literally ‘Reached for the Skies’ and how you can make your own adventure a reality… Also, what did we get up to on Rare Disease Day, great fun was had by all! Click here to view our latest e-newsletter.
Courage Award for Courageous Jai!
On the 10th March 2020 the annual Children of Courage Awards ceremony took place. The awards are given to children and young people who display outstanding courage and tenacity to overcome exceptional difficulties and hardships. Jai was nominated by his teachers at his school as being one such youngster who has shown exceptional courage not
In case you missed the ASUK Annual General Meeting
Don’t worry if you missed the AGM Alström Syndrome UK held their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 2nd November 2019 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm which took place via teleconference to enable as many people as possible to listen to our updates. The AGM celebrated the achievements of the organisation and family members over the last year.Breaking down Barriers website launched
Breaking down Barriers, website has launched! Developing supportive and inclusive services for individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. Have a look at the new website to find out more about this project and the fantastic work being achieved. http://breaking-down-barriers.org.uk/Global Genes Summit 2018
ASUK along with 800 other rare disease organisations, patients and advocates attended the Global Genes Summit in California between 3-4th September this year. Global Genes was founded in 2008 with the goal of helping families affected by rare disease connect with tools, resources, and much needed support, helping eliminate the challenges of rare disease. The