On 14th December, we launched our early diagnosis campaign with a reception in the Scottish Parliament. This event brought together policymakers, people with Crohn`s and Colitis, clinicians, IBD nurses and health leaders to explore the impact of a delayed diagnosis and how we can work together to address this issue.
The event was sponsored by Pauline McNeill MSP, the Convener of the Cross Party Group on IBD. Pauline said:
“We need to make every parliamentarian aware that they will have people in their constituency that live with inflammatory bowel disease or will be diagnosed with IBD. It’s very hard to live your life without a healthy functioning bowel and early diagnosis is crucial to help people cope with these conditions.”
Pauline McNeill MSP, the Convener of the Cross Party Group on IBD
We were delighted to have Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport attend the event. The Minister highlighted the Scottish Government’s support for our campaign:
I commend Crohn’s & Colitis UK for all of the important work they do to raise awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis. 50,000 people live with these conditions in Scotland, and this government is committed to ensuring that they are able to access safe, effective, and timely treatment.
Raising awareness of Crohn’s and Colitis, particularly among young people, is crucial to ensure people are offered the appropriate treatment at the right time. I believe that this campaign will help to develop a deeper understanding of these conditions and empower people to have more open conversations about the conditions and symptoms
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport
Dr Ian Arnott, Modernising Patient Pathways Programme (MPPP) National Clinical Lead for IBD, told our guests that:
A delay in the diagnosis of IBD is really important. I can only imagine the impact of having distressing symptoms for over a year and not knowing what is wrong with you. A delay in the diagnosis of IBD is also important for the medical aspects of the condition.
This is something that is within our power to improve. To do this we must come together; patients, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, primary care, secondary care and NHS management. We must configure a diagnostic process that genuinely sees patients at the heart of everything it aims to achieve. Working together in the true sense of co-design and co-production, we can help improve the health of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis and their ability to participate in education, work and social life.
Dr Ian Arnott, MPPP National Clinical Lead for IBD
We also heard from TV weatherman Calum MacColl, who was diagnosed aged 13 with Crohn’s Disease. He shared his experience of struggling for over a year with symptoms and being continually treated for diarrhoea with an antidiarrheal drug before being diagnosed. He told guests:
I have first-hand experience of not being quick enough off the mark. For 12-18 months, that inflammation really ramped up. When it’s not being treated, Crohn’s can create havoc inside your body. Early intervention can lead to remission and recovery
Calum MacColl
Our campaign video featuring Natalie's story was well received by everyone attending the reception.
Huge support in the Scottish Parliament
A motion in support of our campaign has been signed by almost one third of MSPs.
We have secured a meeting with Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. We also intend to meet with Scottish Health Ministers early in 2023 to explore further how the Scottish Government can support and promote the campaign aims.
We will continue to work with policymakers and healthcare professionals so that we can build back confidence in primary care and ensure people get on a treatment plan rather than on an operating table.
We will continue to provide the Secretariat to The Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Read our Scottish policy brief to find out more.
How to get involved
We can’t achieve early diagnosis without your help. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, waiting for a diagnosis or know someone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis, we need you to get involved in any way you can. Share our symptom checker and back our call for early diagnosis today.
