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Whether you are already an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse Specialist or thinking about becoming one, we have the resources, tools, support and encouragement for you.
New resources for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
With clear advice and information – compiled and edited with specialist nurses – you can explore becoming an IBD Nurse Specialist, building an IBD team and use a national IBD nurse map, and nurses' hub to get connected with other professionals.
At least 300,000 people in the UK live with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis - and the numbers affected are rising. Often diagnosed younger in age, these conditions are lifelong, relapsing and remitting and cost the NHS over £900 million per year. Lifetime medical costs associated with IBD care are comparable to diabetes or cancer.
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The availability of IBD nurse specialists across the UK is vital for people living with Crohn’s or Colitis to be able to access responsive health services and improved clinical outcome. They play a fundamental role in delivering high quality patient care and experience, lead patient centred service redesign, improve the quality of care and represent excellent value for money. I think this new resource will benefit so many healthcare professionals and help to improve the quality of care for all of those with IBD.
Although the number of IBD Nurse Specialists across the UK is increasing (only 2% of IBD Nursing teams meet the minimum number of nurses recommended in national quality standards and over 60% of IBD Nurse Specialists report a higher caseload than recommended levels), services are often suspended in the nurse’s absence, nurses are contributing significant unpaid overtime to meet demand, and patients are not receiving the high quality service that IBD Nurses can deliver.
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Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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