Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

12 December 2023 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Hannah Bardell SNP Livingston

Benefits & WelfareNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Hannah Bardell raised concerns about crohn’s and colitis awareness week in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The debate aimed to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affecting over 500,000 people in the UK.
  • The MP highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with the disease, including physical limitations and difficulties in managing daily life.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of early diagnosis and mentioned NHS England's initiatives to reduce emergency admissions for inflammatory bowel diseases.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Hannah Bardell SNP Livingston

The debate was held to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacting over 500,000 people in the UK. The MP highlighted personal experiences with her brother's diagnosis at a young age, describing the challenges he faced, including physical limitations on activities like camping trips and difficulty managing daily life due to unpredictable symptoms. She also mentioned constituents affected by the disease, emphasising the need for better diagnostic tools, improved social security systems supporting those living with relapsing conditions, and increased public awareness about the severity of these diseases. The MP emphasised the importance of early diagnosis in improving quality of life and reducing hospitalizations.

Other contributors (2)
  • Sarah Green Con Chesham and Amersham

    Emphasised the need for greater awareness and destigmatization of IBD symptoms, encouraging open discussions about incontinence.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with Crohn’s and colitis, particularly regarding access to appropriate toilet facilities and mental health impacts.

Government Response

Andrew Stephenson

The Minister thanked Hannah Bardell for securing the debate and praised her efforts in raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease. He acknowledged the importance of early diagnosis and improving public understanding, highlighting NHS England’s initiatives such as the 'Getting it right first time' gastroenterology programme which aims to reduce emergency admissions by over 6,500 per year. Additionally, he discussed ongoing research funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, with more than £1 billion invested annually in health research. The Minister also committed to working closely with DWP Ministers regarding benefits systems that better support those living with Crohn’s and colitis.

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