Marian O’Connor - On behalf of the NZIBDNG (New Zealand IBD Nurses Group). Clinical Nurse Specialist – Crohn’s & Colitis / Taranaki Base Hospital, New Plymouth

A recent survey undertaken by the NZ IBD Nurses group (NZIBDNG) has identified very low numbers of IBD nurses across the country. At present there are 25 IBD nurses in New Zealand working as Clinical Nurse Specialists or Specialty Nurses. Our group recently conducted a survey of IBD nurses. 60% (15/25) of our nurses responded. Through our survey we learned that 100% of respondents were working in part-time positions and 70% had other clinical responsibilities such as liver care, endoscopy, and general gastroenterology.

With increasing numbers of IBD patients being diagnosed each year, there is an increasing demand on the nurses’ time. There are an estimated 20,000 patients with IBD across the country. In the UK the model for IBD nursing positions is 600 patients to 1 full time IBD Nurse. Using this model, New Zealand falls short in its ability to meet the demands of the profession. As a committee, we are keen to highlight this issue to the District Health Boards throughout the country so that this shortfall in nursing posts can be addressed. In addition, we are also keen to work with other agencies, including CCNZ and the New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology, to remedy this issue as a matter of urgency to ensure that we can provide our patients country-wide with the necessary care they require.

Our survey also revealed that in New Zealand, disappointingly, nearly 70% (n=10) have had no formal IBD-specific education to help prepare them for their role – with many learning ‘on the job’. Therefore, the NZIBDNG committee dedicated itself to ensuring that they sponsor an annual IBD Nurses meeting, providing formal education for our nurses. Our inaugural NZ IBD Nurses meeting took place in Christchurch on 18 March 2021 and was a great success. Fourteen IBD nurses attended. There with a full agenda of medical and surgical IBD topics, presented by our colleagues from Christchurch hospital.

Please also see attached photo of the event

The NZIBDNG is making good progress with planning well under way for our 2nd IBD Nurses meeting, planned for March 2022 in Wellington.