““It’s going to be a big challenge but an exciting one. There is much to be done to meet the IBD Standards by the recommended date of September 2010. Experience of developing an IBD service in my previous employment is a testament that patients will benefit greatly from an IBD Specialist Nurse being in post.”
Mark Sephton
IBD Specialist Nurse
UHSM appoints its first ever Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Specialist Nurse
UHSM has appointed its first ever Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Specialist Nurse following the publication of the IBD Standards Document last year, entitled 'Quality Care, Service standards for healthcare of people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease.' The appointment reinforces the hospital commitment to ‘Towards 2015’ strategy to deliver safe care, the best treatment and an outstanding patient experience, exceeding national standards.
Mark Sephton will be responsible for the development of the IBD nursing service and work with all the Gastroenterologists and Colorectal Surgeons that provide care to patients with IBD to meet national standards of care. Mark joins UHSM with a wealth of experience of this role as IBD nurse specialist from University Hospital Aintree. He is also an active member of the RCN Northwest IBD Nurse Forum. Mark has already secured a grant from an IBD nurse innovation fund for £1,400 to help develop the service. Mark is currently undertaking his non-medical prescribing module at the University of Chester which will improve the timing of patients receiving medication.
Mark, who comes from Chester says "Working with people who have IBD provides great job satisfaction because you are able to make real difference to the overall patient’s experience. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns Disease has profound impact on lives of patients and families. Many are diagnosed in their teenage years or early twenties, at the most important time of their lives when they are undertaking education, developing their career pathway and personal relationships. Many patients have to adjust and limit their pattern of life to manage their condition."
Mark’s first job is to establish a helpline for IBD patients that develop a flare up in their condition. If you or you know someone who is being treated for IBD at UHSM then save or pass on Mark’s contact details. Patients experiencing a flare up of their condition or just need some advice then Mark can be contacted directly on 07791089830.
Nationally, IBD affects about 240,000 people in the UK, approximately 1 in 400. A hospital serving 300,000 will see approximately 45-90 new cases per year. It is estimated to cost the NHS £720 million, based upon on prevalence and average cost of £3000 per patient per year.