Two advanced clinical practitioners at Stepping Hill Hospital have received a national award recognising their project to ensure swifter diagnosis and treatment for patients with IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease).

Advanced clinical practitioners Rachel Campbell and Callula Nulty received the Richard Driscoll Memorial Award from the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership in Sheffield in November for their joint development of a new ‘pathway’ for swifter IBD diagnosis.

Before their project, patients who had been diagnosed not with cancer but with IBD, were then referred on to the gastroenterology team for further diagnosis. This could result in a wait of up to 38 weeks.

Rachel and Callula developed the new pathway in collaboration with colorectal, surgical colleagues and audit colleagues, with the aim of patients now receiving their diagnosis in a time of under 8 weeks, helping to ensure more effective treatment.

Within the first six months of the new pathway being in place, 40 out of 58 patients were seen within the newer eight week target.

As well as leading to more effective treatment, with fewer GP appointments and emergency department (A&E) visits, the new pathway is more cost effective too.

The Richard Driscoll Memorial Award is awarded each year by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership to recognise outstanding work in patient and carer engagement.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Chief Nurse Nic Firth said “Rachel and Callula’s work has made a really positive difference for patients with IBD at Stepping Hill Hospital, ensuring swifter and more effective care and treatment. We’re all very proud of their achievement, and its excellent to see them being recognised with this award.”