It is estimated that more than 50,000 people in Scotland are living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Remarkably this is almost double previous estimates and gives Scotland the highest prevalence of IBD anywhere in the UK.
According to Crohn’s & Colitis UK, hundreds of constituents in Galloway and West Dumfries now live with these lifelong incurable gut conditions.
However local constituency MSP Finlay Carson, fears that many, tragically, face underfunded services, lengthy waits and difficulties accessing vital support.
He said: “Years of under-investment together with workforce shortages means thousands of people are facing delays in diagnosis and treatment leading to avoidable complications, preventable hospital admissions, and emergency surgery.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. There is real reason for hope – treatments for Crohn’s and Colitis are advancing rapidly, and with the right investment and workforce support, we can ensure people benefit from timely diagnosis and quality care.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP maintains that the Scottish Parliament can improve lives of sufferers in Galloway and West Dumfries and erase pressure on the NHS through the measures outlined in the charity’s latest manifesto.