Leading change from Yorkshire

AWARE-IBD is a project that brings together people living with Crohn’s and Colitis, healthcare professionals and decision-makers to create and guide improvements to Sheffield’s IBD service. The programme will be led by people living with Crohn’s and Colitis.

A questionnaire measuring people’s experiences of Crohn’s and Colitis care has now been developed, to be used in the project. Everyone receiving IBD care in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals should receive a letter in October, offering the opportunity to participate.

If you live in Sheffield, you can help us by responding to your letter or by asking your IBD team how you can get involved.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK research and quality improvement manager Rachel Ainley said: “This is a really important time for IBD services. As they recover and change following the impact of the pandemic, here’s an opportunity to think about what makes the most difference to people with Crohn’s and Colitis. How can we change the system so it really works for them?”

The AWARE-IBD study is one of only four projects to be funded under a new Health Foundation programme called Common Ambition. It will run until February 2024.

While the project is being delivered in Sheffield, the learning from the initiative will lead to better outcomes for people who live with Crohn’s and Colitis across the UK, and we will continue to share regular news and updates with our members.