What is IBD?
Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease are collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Both are chronic diseases characterized by inflammation and ulceration in various areas of the gastrointestinal tract. They are lifelong illnesses. There is no known cure therefore the treatment goal is to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Meet the Team
The IBD Team is made up of Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Secretaries, Pharmacists and the homecare team.
You will be allocated a designated Gastro Consultant once you receive a diagnosis of IBD. As our IBD Nursing team is small you may see a different Nurse during clinic appointments within the specialist nursing team.
If you are unsure who your named Gastro Consultant is please do not hesitate to ask the gastro secretaries and/or the IBD Nursing team.
The Role of the IBD Nurses
- Reviewing patients with an inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis in allocated clinics
- Offering a holistic assessment and request investigations or complete referrals required.
- Offering support and guidance in relation to IBD symptoms and queries.
- Providing education to patients in regards to ‘living with IBD’
- Reviewing investigations and actioning as required
- Counselling patient for biologic treatments
- Sign posting to appropriate support networks e.g. CCUK.
- Requesting ongoing monitoring in relation to biologic treatments
The IBD Nursing Team operate a Monday-Friday service 8am - 5pm
Flares
People who have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis commonly experience worsening of their symptoms sometimes called a “flare”.
A flare-up is when symptoms come back and you feel unwell. Everyone experiences flare-ups differently. Your symptoms may also change over time. Flare-ups can last anywhere from a few days to several months and you may have different symptoms during a flare-up than you had when you were first diagnosed.
Signs of flare-up can include:
- Loose stools, or diarrhoea which may contain blood
- Urgently needing to open your bowels
- Pain in the tummy area
- Generally feeling unwell
You may also experience symptoms outside the gut during a flare-up such as:
- Joint pain and swelling (arthritis)
- Swelling in the eyes
- Mouth ulcers
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Struggles with Mental health
Flare Line/advice line
At present the IBD nursing team are unable to provide what was previously known as the advice or flare line. This is a temporary measure and we aim to reopen this in the near future.
However, it is important patients receive the appropriate advice and support during times they are experiencing an exacerbation of their symptoms.
We will ensure this page is updated regularly to keep patients informed when the flare line reopens with the appropriate contact number/opening times.
Please note the IBD nurses no longer accept emails and the email account has been suspended. Whilst we appreciate this was a useful way to contact the team with questions and queries we felt that this was not an appropriate way to communicate with patients due to a high volume of abuse being received. If this method of contact changes in the future we will update this website accordingly.
Getting advice and support
Ongoing monitoring/follow ups
Ongoing reviews for those with an IBD diagnosis differ for every patient. if you have not received a follow up by the IBD Nursing team or your IBD Consultant and feel you need to been seen and you do not currently require urgent support/advice please contact the IBD Nurses secretary and/or your named IBD Consultant’s secretary.
Biologic monitoring
It is essential you follow the guidelines of having the recommended blood monitoring whilst you are on biologic treatment and this will have been discussed with you during your counselling
appt when initially discussing the medication you are taking. Failure to complete these may cause a delay in you receiving your biologic treatment. Please ensure your blood monitoring is up to date. If you require further blood forms or have questions regarding blood monitoring please contact the IBD Nurses secretary.
Useful contact numbers
IBD Nurses Secretary – 01254 732182
Flare line – 01254 734222 *CURRENTLY CLOSED*
Gastro/IBD Consultants secretaries – Please call switchboard on 263555 and specify your Consultants name – they will be direct your call appropriately.
Homecare – (regarding biologic prescriptions) 01254 732572
ELHT’s Commitment to Zero Tolerance
ELHT is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
This policy is part of a broader commitment to equality and inclusion, particularly in response to the rising concerns about racism in healthcare settings. This commitment doesn’t just stop with our colleagues; it extends to all those we care for. Racism, discrimination, and inappropriate behaviour—whether directed at our colleagues or fellow patients—will not be tolerated. Our zero-tolerance policy is in place to protect everyone.