AQW 46612/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 19/05/2026
Answered On Date: 05/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any inflammatory bowel disease clinics that have access to a psychologist or clinical health psychology service for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

Services for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are provided as part of wider gastroenterology services in each Trust area. There has been detailed engagement with the clinical teams in each Trust over the past number of years, through a Regional IBD interest group, with a view to improving the care and treatment available for people with this condition.

Colleagues from the Department of Health work closely with Health and social Care (HSC) Trusts each year to consider the requirements associated with the increasing number of people with inflammatory bowel disease including those receiving specialist drug treatments.

In discussion with clinical colleagues from the Regional IBD Interest Group, it is was agreed that each Trust would prioritise an element of the recurrent funding secured in 2025/26 to increase the dedicated psychological support available to patients with an IBD diagnosis. Trusts are currently working to develop these plans.

Any further requirements associated with the delivery of services to people with IBD, will be considered as part of the ongoing engagement with Trusts and will be supported, subject to available funding.