THE VOTES ARE IN. HERE’S WHAT IT MEANS FOR CROHN’S AND COLITIS

Scotland

In Scotland we are set for a fifth term of a Scottish National Party (SNP) led government. After failing to secure a majority with 58 seats, the SNP will need to work with other parties, such as the Scottish Greens or Liberal Democrats, to pass legislation. 

The party has already set out plans to invest in and strengthen the NHS, with a focus on cutting waiting times, improving access to tests, and bringing care closer to home. This includes

• £200 million per year pledged to reduce waiting lists, but funding must support key diagnostic services such as endoscopy to improve diagnosis times for Crohn’s and Colitis.
• Commitment to cap waits for treatment at 26 weeks is positive, but without specific targets for Crohn’s and Colitis it will be difficult to measure progress.
• Plans for new ‘One Stop Shops’ and community care centres could improve earlier access to support if they are properly staffed with multidisciplinary teams and diagnostic capacity, including endoscopy.
• Workforce and digital commitments are encouraging, but clearer action is still needed to expand specialist IBD services and capacity.
• Scotland’s Long Term Conditions Framework remains a major opportunity to improve care, and we will continue working to ensure the needs of people with Crohn’s and Colitis are reflected in future policy.

Wales

Over in Wales, Plaid Cymru are now the largest party in the Welsh Parliament. However, with only 43 MSs elected out of 96 MSs, they will have to work with other parties to pass a budget or any legislation. 

Key proposals from Plaid include:

• Bringing down waiting lists by ring-fencing time and resources for planned care
• Introducing a long-term workforce plan to support and grow the NHS workforce
• Recruiting more GPs so you can see a GP when you need one
• Expanding digital health services, like online appointments, and improving systems and data to improve patient communication 

What Happens Next Matters

The election results in Scotland and Wales present both opportunities and challenges for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis. Commitments to reduce NHS waiting lists, expand community care, grow the workforce and improve digital services could help improve earlier diagnosis, access to specialist support and long-term care.

However, much will depend on whether IBD services are prioritised in practice. With neither governing party holding an outright majority, we will continue to work with politicians across all parties in both nations to ensure the needs of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis remain firmly on the agenda.