York IBD Services

14/06/2021

'My Walk It' is back for a second year! Raising funds for Crohn's and Colitis UK.

Crohn's and Colitis UK campaign to increase awareness of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis among decision makers, and to improve services for everyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Take part in your own way 5km, 10km, half marathon or marathon challenge in and around your local area, garden or even on your treadmill.

Make sure you share your fundraising with us, we love to see your achievements.

Your IBD nursing Team.

This June, we're inviting you to take on a 5km, 10km, half marathon or marathon challenge to support Crohns & Colitis.

04/06/2021

Following the CCUK's decision to cancel recent WALK IT events, due to the continued uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic.

CCUK have launched the My Walk It for this year. Take on your own challenge, your own way, in your local area and raise vital funds to support those affected by Crohn’s and Colitis.

Registration is FREE and you’ll receive an exclusive 'My WALK IT' t-shirt to wear with pride during your challenge. Raise £150 or more in sponsorship and we’ll also send you a 'My WALK IT' medal to reward you for your fantastic efforts.

Registration for My WALK IT is OPEN!

01/06/2021

Across the UK we are finally enjoying some lovely sunny weather. 😎

For those out in the sun for long periods, please make sure you regularly apply sun protection (at least Factor 30) and take precautions in the sun (hat, sunglasses, sit in the shade).

This is essential if you have Crohn's or Colitis and you're taking immunosuppressive drug treatments (Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine) that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You are also strongly advised to stay away from sunbeds.

It's important to keep hydrated, especially if you have a stoma. see the link below for the CCUK guidance on dehydration.

Our bodies are made up of about two-thirds water. We only need the total water level to drop by as little as a few percent for us to become dehydrated – that is, lacking in water. Lack of water can eventually lead to problems within the body, such as kidney stones, and liver, muscle and joint dama...

26/05/2021

Sorry for the radio silence, the hospital beds maybe recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic surges, but we are still inundated within the IBD nursing team.

The IBD standards say you ideally should get a response within 48 hours/ 2 working days. However at times we are struggling to achieve this.

To help us please make sure you leave clear contact details and a brief message about your query to help us identify urgent calls more effectively.

If you need us for IBD advice, please do contact the IBD advice line on 01904 726154 or via email ibdnursesyork@york.nhs.uk. We are still here for YOU!

To help us please ensure your query can’t be resolved from visiting the Crohn's and Colitis UK website, this is such a fantastic resource for all IBD patients and has remained up to date with Covid-19 guidelines, you can find here information about medications, risk level during easing of restrictions and employment.

CCUK also has information about managing bloating & windy symptoms, Food, constipation and Fatigue.

We are very lucky to have such a useful charity such as CCUK that supports IBD patients and IBD nurses.

If you have questions about Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you're not alone. We’ve helped thousands of people just like you find the information they need to confidently manage their condition, and live freer, fuller lives.

16/02/2021

We have been experiencing a high number of advice line queries about the COVID-19 vaccine. We are still here at the end of the phone, so please do ring us if you need advice for a flare.

This Vaccine is low risk, and is the best way to protect yourself and others against coronavirus. It's important to consider getting the vaccine when it is offered to you, especially if you are at increased risk of complications from the virus.

All of the available vaccines are suitable for people taking biologics, steroids or immunosuppressants, as well as people who have a stoma or J-pouch. Having Crohn's or Colitis, or taking any medicine to treat your condition, will not stop you from being able to have the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are taking biologic medications, You don't need to leave a gap between your vaccine and when you take your biologic medicine - they can both be taken on the same day if needed.

As always the CCUK website is full of useful information, so if you want to read further about IBD and COVID-19 please start there.

There are also links with in the CCUK page below, to the Green Book, Public Health England's guidance, The British Society for immunology and the British Society of Gastroenterology. Who all support that IBD patients should behaving the COVID-19 vaccination, what every brand is offered.

The COVID-19 vaccine is low risk, and is the best way to protect yourself and others against coronavirus. It's important to consider getting the vaccine when it is offered to you, especially if you are at increased risk of complications from the virus. Any newly created medicine or vaccine can raise...

29/12/2020

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your IBD team in York!

This year has seen a lot of changes to our service, as we have tried to keep up with the ever changing government and professional guidelines. None of us will sugar coat it, its been a tough one.

But it has been tough for our patients and community also and we appreciate all your kind words, they have truly helped us remain positive.

So thank you for your patience and understanding with us this year. We can confidently say we are looking forward to what 2021 may bring.

Your IBD Nursing team.

06/11/2020

Flu vaccination is free on the NHS to high priority groups and we think IBD is in particular if you are taking an immunosuppressant medication. The eligibility for the flu vaccination has been extended due to the coronavirus outbreak. But the NHS guidelines on whether people with Crohn’s and Colitis are eligible to free vaccinations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are open to interpretation.

Please speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible and make sure you get your flu vaccination. If your GP suggests you’re ineligible, point them towards the British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines and the IBD Standards.

We shall do our best to provide individuals with support where you are struggling to get the flu vaccination, BUT we do ask that you at first try with your GP. In some areas (due to capacity), GP are struggling to offer this service to everyone who is eligible at the moment, there maybe a pharmacy that provides this service in your area.

Your IBD nursing team

03/11/2020

As we are now tipping in to lockdown, please be reassured your IBD team are still here for YOU.

It can be a scary time for us all, but it important to look after yourself and if something isn't quite right with your IBD please contact your IBD team for support and advice.

During the initial lockdown, we were advised to shield many of our IBD patients. However this is not the case this time, there are no formal plans for any of our patients to shield, we do advise you to remain vigilant.

Please wash your hands regularly, cover your face and give everyone space.

Work from home where possible and carry on avoiding crowded spaces such as supermarkets.

Thank you for your patience, there has been many challenges on our team this year, but as always we are here for you.

Your IBD nursing team.

23/06/2020

Please see this link for up to date guidelines if you are shielding. You will also find on the CCUK website a letter of support for those who are high risk and there is a decision tree so you can identify what level of risk you are.

Hopefully you will find this useful as many of you are emerging from your homes and planning on returning back to work.

Whatever your risk level, please still be vigilant and adhere to strict handwashing and social distancing.

10/06/2020

As a team we just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all our IBD patients and those who use our service.

We have been over whelmed at times with managing lots of guidelines changes, staffing and adapting the way we work as a whole. Your understanding and support of us has kept us going.

Many of you will be returning to work or changing how you work, In order to adhere to government guidelines. Please check the CCUK guidelines which are specific to IBD patients. https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

CCUK has been a constant support for patients and staff with rapidly updating their guidelines and at the beginning, creating guidelines. We are very grateful and lucky to have this service. If anyone has done or is planning on doing any fundraising for this charity, please share your stories with us, we really enjoy your positive stories.
We are still here, so if you need support or advice please do contact the advice line on 01904 726154. Thank you again for your understanding during this time.

Your IBD nursing Team.

14/04/2020

Usually this time of year we are planning our fundraising for CCUK and the amazing work they do to support patients, IBD nurses and ongoing research in the UK.

In previous years we have participated and volunteered at the WALK IT events. But sadly CCUK have decided to postpone all WALK IT events until later in the year. Whist we agree this is the safest thing to do for everyone, it is already having a big impact on fundraising.

To help keep our spirits up and show our appreciation to the charity, please share with us your fundraising ideas and what you are getting up to during this time. We want to hear if you are running 5 k in your gardens or climbing the Yorkshire 3 peaks on your stairs!

If you need inspiration, there are also plently of ideas on their website.

Your fundraising, donations, membership and volunteering can be life-changing for people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Find out how you can get involved and support Crohn's and Colitis UK.