Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 3 February 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recent IBD UK report, Crohn’s and Colitis Care in Scotland, and, in light of this, whether it will commit to allocating more resources to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) services to increase support and staffing for advice line services, with the aim that responses during a flare can be received by the end of the next working day, in accordance with the IBD standards.
The Scottish Government welcomes IBD UK’s latest report, Crohn’s and Colitis Care in Scotland: A Vision for Change and is committed to ensuring that all people living in Scotland with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are able to access the best possible care and support, and benefit from healthcare services that are safe, effective and put people at the centre of their care.
Whilst our role is to set the strategic policy for the NHS in Scotland, it is NHS Boards locally who are responsible for service delivery. We expect Boards to follow best practice and adhere to current guidelines and standards when providing care and support for people with IBD.
Our workforce planning guidance requires NHS Boards to take a demand-led approach by determining future staffing requirements in line with healthcare needs within their locality.
Anyone needing urgent medical help should contact their GP or NHS 24 (Telephone 111).