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Addenbrooke's leads the way with specialist nurses

Addenbrooke's has been leading the way with its specialist nurses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one of whom, Allison Nightingale, has been campaigning to increase the number of nurses who specialise in the disease around the country.

Although there is a national shortage of Crohn's and colitis nurses, Addenbrooke's Hospital is fortunate enough to have two specialist nurses, and was one of the first hospitals in the country to establish the role.

Allison Nightingale, Specialist IBD Nurse

Allison says, "I see patients with Crohn's disease and colitis offering advice on how patients can change their treatment and lifestyle to help their condition. Patients are generally diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 although it can affect any age group. There is currently no permanent cure, and we don't know exactly what causes it, but the bacteria normally present in the colon appear to be involved in both the development of the disease and in subsequent relapses or “flare-ups”, causing the immune system to behave irregularly. Therefore much of the treatment is directed at controlling this in some way.

"It is common for patients to have these flare-ups, which don't necessarily coincide with their regular clinic appointment. I can advise patients either over the telephone between their formal clinic appointments or arrange to see them in one of my own clinics if things are unclear. I can also get them a sooner appointment with a consultant if necessary and in these ways it is often possible to start treatment without delay and help prevent complications and reduce the need for admission to hospital.

"It is so rewarding to be able to understand what patients are going through and offer the support when they need it - it can really make a difference."

Over the last few weeks Allison has appeared on BBC Breakfast TV and has been interviewed by national and local radio to help the National Association for Colitis and

Crohn's Disease (NACC) in their campaign to increase the numbers of specialist nurses.

Speaking about her experience, Allison said: "I have been congratulated for a professional performance and feel so proud to have been able to help with this project. I just pray that the objective of the campaign is achieved - that all Crohn’s and colitis patients, no matter where they are being treated, have access to essential information, advice and support on how to manage and live with this most disabling and debilitating condition."

For more information on the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC), see their website:

www.nacc.org.uk

August 2005

For further press/media information contact: PR & Communications Department, Box 53, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 274 433; Fax: 01223 257 143; Minicom: 01223 274 604.