When Autumn Asks

ČSH

...what the Society was doing in spring and summer, we can answer that, for example, it was preparing the third edition of the gathering "We Are Here for You." Yes, it is now confirmed — Hotel Jezerka in Sec u Chrudimi awaits Society guests on October 23 and 24. The welcoming and elegant setting of the recreational hotel has already earned recognition over the past two editions. Thanks to the Baxter company, several dozen members of CSH and Hemojunior and their supporters gather here. They can look forward to a range of new information from specialists in several fields, practical demonstrations and exercises on the topics of the preceding lectures, a wellness environment, and above all, the opportunity for different generations of those connected to haemophilia to meet again.

The end of October is still quite far away, but already much is known about the programme. The head of the Prague Haemophilia Treatment Centre at UHKT, Peter Salaj, will speak on key haematological issues. This time, his focus will be primarily — among other things — on the care of carriers. In the recent period, it has become apparent that many already accredited centres are not fully fulfilling their role and are refusing haemophilia carriers before delivery, sending them en masse to Prague. In doing so, they fail to meet the obligation arising from their centre status, which should include care for carriers in their services. In many places, they often lack specialists in ENT, orthopaedics, and other fields, but increasingly problems are emerging from gynaecologists and obstetricians. They allegedly lack sufficient experience and knowledge, so they pass the patients on. This will probably not be easily remedied (it is primarily a task for the Czech National Haemophilia Programme), but the Society aims to provide appropriate information to all young women currently affected by this issue.

Further information from the field of specialized haematology will be presented by Jan Blatny, head of the paediatric department at Brno Hospital, and both physicians will also lead the well-proven workshops.

The specialized Prague orthopaedic surgeon Petr Teyssler never disappoints either, always bringing interesting news and advice useful to all. The experienced psychologists Anna Kissova from Ostrava and Petra Buckova from Brno have also promised to contribute, and Marcela Stafova, already known to many participants of Society gatherings, should not be missing either. This time, she will not so much talk about news from the social welfare area, as there is not much at present, but will mainly be available for individual consultations. Many people have issues with benefit claims, applications for allowances, and similar matters, and here they have the opportunity to get advice on very specific cases.

Newly on the agenda will be information from the field of proper nutritional habits, with Brno-based nutritional specialist Iva Hrncirikova having agreed to collaborate.

By contrast, physiotherapist Marie Katzerova is an old acquaintance. She participates in similar gatherings regularly and always has something to say. In addition, she will lead a workshop where she will advise each individual who needs guidance on their specific situation and recommend how to proceed with exercising damaged joints and muscles. The necessity of systematic rehabilitation has been discussed on Society grounds for many years, but the appeal still does not fall on fertile ground. We warmly recommend that everyone listen to Marie Katzerova's views.

Now to organizational matters: arrival will be possible from Friday afternoon from 3 PM or in the evening, with dinner and overnight accommodation prepared. The professional programme itself will take place on Saturday from nine o'clock and will end in the afternoon. Rooms must be vacated from 10 AM, after which a locked luggage room will be available. Those who wish may stay until Sunday, but outside the scope of services included in the participation fee. The Baxter company has negotiated special prices, so a double room will cost CZK 1,350, a triple room CZK 1,500, and a quad room CZK 2,600.

Those who are satisfied with one night from Friday to Saturday and the corresponding catering service will need to contribute a co-payment. The main portion of the costs will again be borne by the Society, leaving only a substantially smaller share for the co-payment. The Council has set it as follows: CSH and Hemojunior members will pay CZK 500, non-members CZK 1,000, children of members under 18 free of charge, children of non-members CZK 500. Details of the decision, including model examples, can be found in the minutes of the meeting of the CSH Council on June 8. Registration is already open; simply use the registration form.

To ensure everything can be properly prepared, the registration form must be completed by September 20, 2015.