The aim of the IBD Standards is to ensure that IBD patients receive consistent, high-quality care and that IBD Services throughout the UK are knowledge-based, engaged in local and national networking, based on modern IT and that they meet specific minimum standards.

IBD is estimated to affect about 240,000 people in the UK, approximately 400 patients per 100,000 population. In 2006 a UK-wide Audit of IBD Services and Care, revealed unacceptable variation in services and aspects of clinical care. A Working Group (see right) of the key professional organisations and NACC, the IBD patient organisation, was formed to recommend national standards for IBD care.

The standards are also supported by the Royal College of Pathologists, British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, Royal College of General Practitioners, UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (Gastroenterology Interest Group), UK Digestive Federation, CICRA - Crohn's in Childhood Research Association, and the IA - The ileostomy and internal pouch support group.

Implementation of these standards will ensure that IBD Services meet key requirements of the strategies set out by:

Department of Health for England ('High Quality Care for All - NHS Next Stage Review Report' and 'NHS Next Stage Review Our vision for primary and community care'),
NHS Scotland('Better Health, Better Care Action Plan'),
Welsh Assembly Government ('Designed for Life: creating world class health and social care for Wales') and
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland) 'Developing Better Services' Initiative

It is recommended that IBD Services should meet these standards by September 2010.