National Campaign calls for more specialist Colitis and Crohn’s nursing posts
Monmouth MP David Davies has backed a national campaign calling for an increase in the number of specialist Colitis and Crohn’s nursing posts.
Mr Davies pledged his support to the initiative after being contacted by members of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (NACC).
The voluntary association works to improve life for people affected by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and is calling for action over the next two years to increase the number of specialist Colitis and Crohn’s nursing posts around the UK.
Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease affect one in 400 people, but there are currently no specific priorities, plans or targets in place in the NHS to define standards and ensure adequate funding for local services for people with these lifelong conditions.
Mr Davies said: “In a recent survey of NACC members, only 26 per cent said they had access to a specialist nurse at their hospital.
“I have been told by patients that having access to such a service would make a huge difference and studies have shown that these nurses can save NHS costs by preventing people being admitted to hospital unnecessarily.
“I am delighted to support NACC’s campaign and have written to the Welsh Assembly’s Health Minister to highlight the importance of specialist nurses to the care of people who have to live with these conditions.”
END