Your voice at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

We know that the pandemic was a difficult time for many across our community, with disruption to care, uncertainty about shielding and vaccines, and fear of hospitalisation.  

On the 30 April, we shared your experiences with the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry and set out lessons that the Scottish Government and health leaders should learn to reduce harm in any future public health emergency. 

We shared how there was considerable confusion, particularly around shielding and vaccine eligibility, due to the lack of awareness about the conditions and initial lack of information for how people living with Crohn’s or Colitis could be affected by the pandemic. We highlighted the impact this had on people’s mental health, as well as how care was disrupted with many people unable to reach their IBD team because staff were redeployed to support on Covid wards. 

We called for governments and health leaders to:  

• Recognise charities as trusted sources of information, and work in partnership to help reduce confusion and ensure people are not left behind. 
• Ensure there is accurate data of those diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis or on immunosuppressant medication, that is accessible across the health service to identify those at risk. 
• Ensure that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) consider all health conditions in the rollout of new vaccines to avoid confusion over eligibility. 

Ruth Wakeman, Crohn’s & Colitis UK Director of Services, Advocacy, and Evidence, said: 

The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry will continue its work and you can share your experiences of the pandemic in Scotland here.

You can find the latest advice about Covid-19, vaccination and Crohn’s and Colitis here.