This information leaflet is to help introduce you to the Nurse Specialist for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the services available and the IBD advice line.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that generally refers to the conditions ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They are chronic, lifelong disorders of the digestive tract with periods of remission and relapse (or ‘flares’). In both conditions parts of the intestine may become inflamed and ulcerated.
Who is the IBD Nurse Specialist?
The IBD Nurse Specialist is a member of the gastroenterology team who has had a great deal of experience in gastroenterology and has a special interest in looking after patients with IBD. By working closely with you, they can help you manage your disease.
What is the role of the IBD Nurse Specialist?
Following your outpatient appointment with the doctor, you may be referred to see the nurse specialist who will offer information, education and support about any aspect of your illness or the treatment you will be receiving.
You may need to make lifestyle changes to help you cope with your condition and the nurse will support you with this. From time to time you will need to undergo various blood tests, x-rays and scans. The IBD nurse will explain these to you and provide written information as necessary.
The IBD nurse also runs an outpatients’ clinic where you can discuss your condition and treatment options.
The IBD Advice Line
You can speak to the IBD nurse specialist if you have any concerns or worries about your illness via our email service. You can email between the hours of 7.30am - 1pm Monday ,Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Please make sure you have all your details available to put in the subject line so we can identify you and reply efficiently to your concern. If you are experiencing a severe flare we have a S.O.S phone line which can be used between the hours of 7.30am - 10.30am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
If you are phoning about your appointment or investigation dates, then please ring switchboard on 0161 624 0420 and asked to be transferred to the Trust Booking Service.
Please remember that the advice line and email service is available only for enquiries about your IBD.
IBD advice line - 0161 918 8579
IBD advice line email - ibdflareline@nca.nhs.uk
Support during flares
People who have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis commonly experience a worsening of their symptoms or ‘flares’. The IBD advice line aims to give you quick access to a nurse specialist, who can offer advice and also liaise with your consultant about the changes in your condition. This may result in minor changes to your medication, a blood test or other tests. In some instances, you will be offered an opportunity to see the nurse specialist or consultant in one of our rapid access appointments.
If you experience symptoms at nights or weekends, you may need to contact your own emergency GP service. Please contact us as soon as possible if this is the case.
Telephone clinics
As IBD is a long-term disease, there may come a time when your condition is so stable that you do not need routine appointments at the hospital. It may then be appropriate for you to go into our ‘Telephone Clinic’. This is classed as ‘Open Access’ and is an agreement between you and your specialist. If this is suitable for you, then you will be advised accordingly in clinic. You can still call the advice line and be seen in clinic if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Inpatient service
Occasionally you may be admitted to hospital because of a ‘flare’ of your disease. Please ask the ward staff to contact the nurse specialist, who will then come to visit you whilst you are on the ward, to offer support.
Finally
As everybody is an individual, treatment, symptoms and how you feel will differ from person to person. Please do not hesitate to discuss any queries or worries that you may have with the IBD nurse, your consultant or your GP.
Further Reading
Crohn’s and Colitis UK (the new name for National Society for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease [NACC]) www.nacc.org.uk
Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) www.cicra.org
IA (The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group) www.iasupport.org
Colostomy Association (formally British Colostomy Association) www.colostomyassociation.org.uk
Date of Review: August 2024
Date of Next Review: August 2026
Ref No: PI_SU_665 (Oldham)