Provincial centre for inflammatory bowel disease patients in the works
A team of BC doctors are working to open a multidisciplinary provincial centre for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gastroenterologist Brian Bressler is leading a team of BC-based gastroenterologists, IBD researchers, and members of the business community who have created a nonprofit society to build the IBD Centre of BC.
Approximately 25 000 British Columbians have IBD (with children accounting for 20% to 25% of the IBD population), with more than 1500 new cases diagnosed annually. The peak age of diagnosis is around 25. Accurate diagnosis and modern treatment can significantly decrease the physical and social burdens of the disease.
There will be a team of IBD-trained medical professionals at the centre, including gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, dietitians, naturopaths, and researchers, providing comprehensive care for patients from across the province. While children and youth with IBD are currently cared for at BC Children’s Hospital, the centre will house specialty clinics for youth transitioning to adult care, and for patients who are pregnant or considering a pregnancy.
The IBD Centre of BC received charitable status in February 2017, and its board of directors is now pursuing public and private funding opportunities. They aim to open by early 2018.