For information on the meetings programme please see meetings programme 2016 page in this section or e-mail the Group’s e-mail address breathtakers2010@hotmail.co.uk
26 January: Quiz: As some light entertainment for the start of our 2016 programme James organised a quiz consisting of four rounds each of ten questions – geography, politics and current affairs, food and drink and general knowledge. What fruit when included in a jelly prevents it from setting? Who is the current Speaker of the House of Commons? What is the”p” in blood that causes clotting? Which planet in our solar system is the only one which spins in the opposite direction to the earth? Well if you had come to the quiz you would now be all the wiser. Answers with the March meeting summary!
23 February: Developments in Bronchiectasis – Dr Adam Hill As usual a very full attendance for Dr Hill’s talk. He started by introducing the members of his team dealing with bronchiectasis matters – both on the clinical and research sides – and he went on to describe some of the innovative research projects and techniques being examined and developed by the team. He particularly emphasised the significance of recently developed bronchoscope technology which allows examination deep into the lungs – beyond the bronchial tubes – and able to detect specific organisms. Such developments – as they develop and become more sophisticated – hold out the prospect of greatly improved (and non-invasive) diagnosis and treatments in the future. All in all he gave the impression of developments on lots of different fronts in research into bronchiectasis – with the Edinburgh centre being very much at the forefront of such developments. Link to presentation.
29 March: Clinic Developments – Kim Turnbull introduced a general discussion on bronchiectasis and invited comments about the clinic. Research nurses Sam Donaldson and Andrea Clark and researcher Elena Fernandez Perez were also in attendance and joined in the discussion outlining some of the research work in which they were engaged. A good discussion ensued with much interest shown in the research developments and also some of the key issues in the condition and its treatment. There was a general welcome for the range of work ongoing and for the treatment provided by the clinic. Also Caroline Shilton from Wee Breaks spoke briefly about her role in providing support and funding to aid projects and individuals within Midlothian. More information about the types of support offered is set out in the website – weebreak.org
26 April: Professor Nick Bateman gave an excellent presentation on the history of antibiotics, their subsequent development and the future. He emphasised the complexities in counteracting bacteria and their capability quickly to develop resistance to specific antibiotics requiring both higher treatment doses and more importantly the continuous development of new antibiotics. Using tuberculosis (TB) as a case in point, he noted that while new antibiotics developed in the 1940s had revolutionised treatment, the organism had quickly developed resistance and newer treatments, involving combinations of drugs, had to follow quickly. He also confirmed that today TB remains a huge problem particularly in developing countries. A major issue in bringing forward new treatments concerns the economics; developing a new antibiotic is hugely costly and hence the resulting price of treatment is high – yet the high incidence of bacterial diseases, like TB, is in developing countries where the capacity to pay is limited. It is to be welcomed that the resistance issue is being recognised as a major issue for the world; but it remains to be seen how this will be reflected in effective action. A copy of Professor Bateman’s presentation is attached here.
31 May: Living with Bronchiectasis – Roberta Campbell-Porter gave a very interesting account of how she had been diagnosed with bronchiectasis as a child following chest problems, and the challenges posed – for her and her family – in finding the correct treatment and ongoing management, not least in implementing chest clearance exercises. Being some distance from the hospital also posed particular difficulties when urgent treatment was required. Roberta specifically highlighted the role of her mother in ensuring she maintained optimum health. Despite surgery – designed to cure the problems – this turned out not to be the answer and the bronchiectasis persisted. Roberta noted, however, that while she continued to have problems with chest infections she had been able to continue with her demanding job as a teacher – now deputy head – and that supportive colleagues, husband, children and indeed whole family, were important in this; she also continued to travel, taking with her standby medication. In discussion a number of points were raised – including the issue of travel insurance, as well as coping strategies in work situations. Further discussions continued over tea and coffee.
28 June – 27 September: The 28 June meeting covered research topics being taken forward by several of the students and researchers. On 30 August James Chalmers gave an excellent interactive talk on the present state of bronchiectasis diagnosis and treatment – including the differing positions across Europe. On 27 September, in a change to the advertised programme, Mike Carey (Secretary of the Group) gave some reflections on his experiences with bronchiectasis and how he had dealt with them. In all the meetings a lively discussion ensued.
25 October: AGM and Discussion: The AGM lasted some 20 minutes. The existing committee members were re-elected for a further year – no nominations having been received from new people to come on to the committee. The Treasurer reported that our funds were in good order with the balance at end September being almost £1,500. The meeting agreed, after some discussion on the use of funds, to give £500 to Dr Hill’s Trust Fund for research. After the AGM the Chairman ran a brief quiz – which was generally felt to be a bit too difficult – in particular too focused on cricket! He has politely been given the sack in running any further quizzes.
29 November: Patient Experiences – Breathtakers Group: Two members of our group explained something of their experiences in diagnosis of bronchiectasis and more particularly in living with the condition. One had experienced asthma and more general breathing issues from an early age and indeed in later life had decided to move to the drier climate of the Edinburgh to help manage his condition. The other had been diagnosed with bronchiectasis after first being examined for an asbestos related condition. His bronchiectasis was in fact fairly mild and it did not affect his day to day living. Thereafter Anne Toye of CHSS gave a brief presentation on the incidence of long term heart and chest conditions in Scotland – noting the rising share of the population in older age ranges and the challenges this posed both for the health service and for health related charities such as CHSS in devising appropriate support/assistance with growing demand.
The next meeting of the Group will be on 13 December. The main event will be a Christmas Quiz, food and chat.