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Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Answer

NHS England supports local integrated care boards to deliver high-quality, timely services through initiatives such as the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.

As part of its work within the gastroenterology specialty, GIRFT is sharing a template and best practice for the use of advice and guidance, and advice and referencing to promote earlier diagnosis, and is also encouraging the use of single point of access models, which can help patients get earlier access to specialist opinions, advice, and treatment.

GIRFT has also recently published a new inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) handbook pulling together examples of innovative practice, proven solutions, and practical actions to help optimise the care of National Health Service patients with IBD. The GIRFT IBD pathway and associated handbook include specific guidance for paediatric care and transition to adult services, recognising the unique needs of children and young people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The handbook is available at the following link:

https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/practical-advice-and-key-actions-in-new-girft-handbook-for-optimising-the-care-of-patients-with-ibd/

GIRFT is also working with providers on a Further Faster Follow-Up programme, which introduces key protocols for gastroenterology, with IBD and suspected IBD being included, and is also collaborating on national work to develop a digital IBD pathway. It is too early to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

100428

Session

2024-26

Related items

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Children
Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons

Subjects

Health services Department of Health and Social Care NHS England Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk