A new patient resource for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has been backed by Monmouth MP David Davies.
Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum joined members and supporters of Crohn’s and Colitis UK at the Westminster launch of ‘My Crohn’s and Colitis Care’, a patient guide to the top 10 essentials of a good IBD health service.
The event on Wednesday 4 November was also attended by television presenter and vocal coach Carrie Grant, who has battled with Crohn’s Disease since she was a teenager.
There are at least 300,000 people in the UK living with Crohn’s or Colitis, the two main forms of IBD. These chronic conditions can use ulceration and inflammation in the colon (Ulcerative Colitis) or any part of the digestive system (Crohn’s Disease).
Currently, one in four IBD services can’t see all urgent referrals within four weeks. The ‘My Crohn’s and Colitis Care’ guide is designed to empower people with IBD to get the best from their local health service by working in partnership with their healthcare team.
“I have a good friend who suffers from IBD, although I was certainly unaware how widespread this severely debilitating condition is,” said Mr Davies.
“Several constituents asked me to attend the launch of ‘My Crohn’s and Colitis Care’ and I was delighted to be able to do so on their behalf.
“This important and practical guide will prove to be invaluable in supporting patients, whilst raising awareness of IDB more generally”.
The new resource has been described as the “perfect patient companion” to the UK IBD Standards, the clinical guidelines designed to drive improvements in the quality of healthcare services for people with IBD.
David Barker, chief executive of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, added: “We are pleased to be able to produce a resource that will help people with IBD get the best support and care from their healthcare team.
“The impact of these conditions on education, work, social and family life can be devastating.”