Having access to the right care at the right time based on individual needs is especially important for people living with Crohn’s or Colitis. This is because the conditions can be unpredictable and get worse if not treated quickly. They are also complex affecting many parts of the body and mind. We want everyone with Crohn’s and Colitis to have access to safe, consistent, high-quality, personalised care, whatever their age and wherever they live in the UK.
The IBD Standards
To achieve this, we work towards making the IBD Standards a reality, involving people living with Crohn’s and Colitis in everything we do. The IBD Standards set out what high-quality care should look like, from first symptoms to diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. These underpin our work to improve health services for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. The IBD Standards were developed by the IBD UK alliance of professional associations, royal colleges and patient organisations, which is chaired by Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
Four areas for focus
The IBD UK report Crohn’s and Colitis Care in the UK: The Hidden Cost and a Vision for Change highlights four main areas for focus:
- Improvements to diagnosis and information provision
- Personalised care and support for self-management
- Faster access to specialist treatment and advice
- Effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) working
Working in partnership
We are working to improve health services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, together with people with Crohn’s and Colitis, healthcare professionals and others including politicians, policy makers and government. Together we’re making a difference and ensuring Crohn’s and Colitis are visible and taken seriously.