"Lack of IBD Nurses"

I’m disappointed that there is a lack of IBD Nurses, particularly within NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

I previously had an IBD Nurse involved in my care for over 15 years, until she retired and her replacement has since left for another post and I’m not aware of the job being re-advertised.

IBD Standards highlight that patients, particularly inpatients, should have access to an IBD Nurse Specialist and evidence suggests that a patient’s length of hospital stay may be reduced by the involvement of an IBD Nurse in care and in follow up.

Given the current crisis being faced by the NHS, I believe it to be crucial that the role of IBD Nurse be considered once more.

Research shows that IBD Nurses can be extremely cost effective in reducing hospital stays. In my personal experience, an IBD Nurse has prevented several hospital admissions as they have been able to get the right care and treatment for me at the right time and also in the least restrictive environment. Hospital stays are devastating for IBD patients and incredibly anxiety provoking due to patient to toilet ratio in a dorm.

Benefits of IBD Nurses:

- Greater integration of care across MDTs

- Bridging of primary and secondary care

- Greater patient satisfaction

- Improved access to better co-ordinated care, better education and support for those diagnosed with IBD and their families/ carers

- They are a constant and reliable source of contact

- Studies demonstrate that outpatient visits and hospital admissions can be avoided through counselling by phone and/or email.