IBD is a chronic condition that can have a very negative effect on the quality of life of people who suffer with it. The symptoms are life-long, and serious long-term health conditions can accompany the disease. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.
Wales has no IBD-specific diathetic support, but anyone with an IBD diagnosis can benefit from access to easily accessible diathetic educational resources.
The WViHC has been supporting IBD services for a number of years.
WViHC are a member of the IBD Working Group (which will be integrated into the newly formed Gasto-intestinal Network under the NHS Executive) based within the NHS Wales Health Collaborative. The focus of the IBD working group has been to undertake a detailed analysis of IBD service provision in Wales. A key areas of work that has been identified is the need for increased and improved self-management support, including patient education.