Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Helpline

What is the paediatric IBD helpline?

The paediatric IBD helpline has been set up to support children and families between clinic appointments. Our paediatric IBD nurses provide a daytime telephone advice service to answer questions and offer support on IBD treatments and any other IBD related issues.

The number to call is: 01223 274757 Monday-Friday 09:00 to 17:00 (excluding bank holidays)

Why has it been set up?

IBD can be unpredictable and may “flare up” or relapse. Often the flare up may not coincide with planned clinic appointments; therefore the paediatric IBD nurses can offer telephone support.

When to contact the paediatric IBD helpline

• Any time you or your child are concerned about their IBD
• If you think your child is experiencing a flare up or symptoms such as:
  • an increase in bowel movements or opening bowels more than three times a day
  • waking up overnight to open bowels
  • blood in stool
  • a change in the consistency of stool, for example stool is looser than usual
  • abdominal pain lasting more than two days
  • a temperature of 38 degrees or higher which is not related to an obvious infection such as a cough or a cold.
  • need of support for school or travel
  • if you have not had an appointment in the last four months

Your child’s nurse or doctor may specify other reasons to call.

How does the helpline work?

If our paediatric IBD nurses are unable to take your call, please leave a message clearly stating the following:

• your name/child’s name
• your child’s hospital number or date of birth
• the reason for your call
• your contact details

Your call will be returned within 24 hours. Messages left after 15:00 may not be returned until the following working day, therefore please try to call as early in the working day as possible.

If you are unable to wait 24 hours for a response or you need advice outside of working hours (e.g. at the weekend, on bank holidays or after 17:00 Monday to Friday) then please contact your out-of-hours GP service or attend your local A&E department.

What if my child needs blood tests or a prescription?

Following telephone advice with our nurses where possible, we will arrange for any necessary blood tests or prescriptions via your child’s GP.

A fax or letter will be sent to your child’s GP surgery informing your GP of any change in treatment and further follow up.

If matters cannot be resolved in this way, we can bring your child’s next appointment forward, or arrange any necessary further investigations.

Will I still be seen at a routine clinic appointment?

This telephone advice is provided in addition to your child’s routine clinic appointments. Depending on the nature of your call, your child’s appointment may be rearranged or brought forward if an earlier review is required