We want to make sure that the new UK Government, led by the Labour Party, and all Members of Parliament (MPs) work to improve the lives of people with IBD. They are promising change but what should that look like for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis? 

One of the party’s “national missions” is to “build an NHS fit for the future.” One part of this plan is to cut NHS waiting times. They have said they will do this by delivering two million extra hospital appointments a year, almost 40,000 a week, by encouraging staff to work extra hours.  

The Labour Party manifesto also promised: 

• A greater focus on managing long-term conditions. 
• A move away from late diagnosis and treatment. 
• To champion the rights of disabled people and people with serious, long-term conditions.

What we are calling for

It is crucial that the government’s plan to bring down waiting times includes action to tackle long waits affecting people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). 

It is taking too long for people with IBD to be diagnosed and they do not have access to timely care or treatment. This comes at a huge cost to a person’s physical and mental health, puts pressure on hospital departments and carries a significant cost to the NHS.  

That is why we are calling on the new UK government to commit to the following in their focus on tackling waiting lists and fixing the NHS: 

• Make sure GPs refer people with symptoms for the right tests at the right time by supporting the implementation of a national diagnostic pathway for gut symptoms.
• Invest in the IBD workforce to meet the IBD standards nationwide. This includes making sure diagnostic services can cope with demand, resourcing multidisciplinary IBD teams and ensuring there are enough IBD nurses to meet safe staffing levels.  
• Reform homecare medicine services, so the health of people with IBD is not put at risk from flares or complications because of missed medications and failures in the system. 
• Prioritise IBD surgery:  A clear new target to bring down waiting times for colorectal surgery, so no-one with Crohn’s or Colitis is left waiting for a planned operation

How we have engaged with the new UK parliament so far

The government has been quick to set a new agenda. On Wednesday 17th July 2024, The King's Speech set out the government's priorities for the months ahead, including plans “to reduce the waiting times” and “focus on prevention”. 

Of the 650 MPs elected at the most recent election, over half have never been an MP before, so we will be working hard to make sure MPs understand the conditions and challenges faced by their constituents with IBD, and what they can do to change this over this parliament.

If you have contact with your local politicians about Crohn’s and Colitis, please share your experiences and let us know how you got on by emailing policy@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk.