I know that both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can have a real impact on quality of life, so it is important that people living with these conditions know what they can expect from their local NHS.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published guidance for the management of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. I am pleased that, for both conditions, the guidance states that people suffering should be offered a range of support, which could include access to psychological and dietetic support, if appropriate.
I am also glad that the ulcerative colitis guidance sets out that patients considering surgery, as well as those who have already had surgery, should receive information about their treatment from a specialist. In addition to this, you may be interested in the NICE Quality Standard for IBD, which includes four 'quality statements': specialist assessment, multidisciplinary team support, surgery, and monitoring drug treatment.
Research into these conditions is also very important. I welcome the fact that, in 2013/14, the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research spent over £7 million on research relating to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
All patients with long-term conditions should feel supported to maintain good physical and mental health which meet their social and psychological needs. I believe that good care planning for patients with long-term conditions should take into consideration all aspects of a patient's needs, including psychological needs.