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Ein cyf / Our ref: TP/GE/MA/2458/176 |
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Eich cyf / Your ref: P-04-560 |
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(: 01248 384910 |
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Gofynnwch am / Ask for: Linda Hughes |
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E-bost / Email: linda.hughes@wales.nhs.uk |
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Dyddiad / Date: 1 December 2014 |
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Dear Mr Powell
PROVISION OF IBD SERVICES IN WALES (P-04-560)
The Gastroenterology Service within the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board provides local services for patients with Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis across the three acute hospital sites. There is some variation in the models of care provided, ranging from Consultant only delivered Inflammatory Bowel Disease clinical services to Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse Clinics supported by local Consultant Gastroenterology Teams, between the three sites.
The Primary, Community and Specialist Medicine Clinical Programme Group, supported by the Health Board, has funded additional clinical posts that will support development of IBD services and create additional capacity to support local service provision. This includes the appointment of Nurse Endoscopists with IBD portfolios to support local Consultant Gastroenterology Teams in the provision of IBD services to patients; this is now a standard approach across all three sites.
Some Consultants have also developed sub-specialisation in the management of IBD locally; in other areas this is provided by a team approach from within the Consultant workforce. For example at Ysbyty Gwynedd two of the Consultant Gastroenterologists each have one dedicated IBD Outpatient Clinic per month. The service also has a dedicated weekly session at Llandudno General Hospital, further enhancing local services for local patients. We also have identified consultant leads at the sites for IBD provision.
We have also recently made a new Consultant Gastroenterologist appointment at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, which will provide further opportunity to review local pathways for the management of IBD.
The Gastroenterology Service would welcome further National work in this area in order to support the progress made to date within North Wales and ensure that we progress the delivery of the Standards for healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Yours sincerely
Prof Trevor Purt
Chief Executive