MP backs nursing campaign
Livingston MP Hannah Bardell is backing a campaign for more specialist nurses in her constituency.
It comes after a survey revealed that one in three patients in the UK with inflammatory bowel disease do not have access to a specialist nurse.
The survey by Crohn’s and Colitis UK found that 100,000 patients in the UK with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) do not have access to adequate care.
The specialist nurse role provides expert advanced nursing care, being the first point of contact and caring, often during distressing times.
They coordinate often high- cost therapies in a cost-effective way as well as reducing A&E visits. Studies show that IBD nurses help with a 38 per cent reduction in hospital visits and a 19 per cent reduction in then length of inpatient stays.
The MP said: “My constituents living with IBD deserve access to the indispensable services and support provided by specialist IBD nurses, particularly as they are proven to improve quality of life.
“I want to see more specialist IBD nurses locally to ensure that my constituents have access to the crucial care they both need and deserve.
“I have also had the privilege to meet with my constituent Steven Sharp, who campaigns to raise understanding and awareness of IBD and has been a source of inspiration and support to many across the constituency.”
Steven said: “I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2002 and had my first bout of major surgery in 2008 and without it I wouldn’t have seen my 18th birthday.
“After a further two bouts of major surgery I decided I wanted to use my journey and experiences to help others and raise awareness of IBD.
“I hit the ground running a few months into 2014 and started organising a big fundraiser in Fauldhouse, where I put on an event with 12 local singers.
“I held it again in 2015, when I managed to generate celebrity backing from some well known names as well as appearing on TV, radio and newspapers.
“Since 2014 I’ve raised over £11,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK and have my own awareness page on Facebook.
“Hannah has been a great support since I met her in December during Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week and is always offering support for the cause.
“My main aim is to provide support to anyone who is going through what I have and hopefully my story help them and give them comfort that they aren’t alone.”
Ann McMahon from the Royal College of Nursing said: “Specialist IBD nurses have been praised for the invaluable support and expertise they provide to improve patients’ quality of life, giving them more control over their treatment.
“We would welcome more specialist nurses to reach those who currently don’t have access to the care they deserve.”
For more information visit www. crohnsandcolitis.org.uk.
My constituents deserve access to the indispensable services and support provided by specialist IBD nurses