IBD Empower is an educational programme developed for Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

Developed by Takeda UK.

IBD Empower aims to support and empower IBD CNS to deliver optimal patient care through multiple streams of learning, including live training and interactive online modules.

A bespoke educational programme

Interactive Learning Modules

A series of educational modules developed in collaboration with an expert steering committee of IBD CNS and Consultant Nurses. Each module contains easy-to-digest content covering essential topics from anatomy and pathophysiology to patient communication skills.

Live Group Training

Join us in person or online via video-conference for one of our training meetings where clinical nurse educator Julie Duncan shares her wealth of experience as an IBD CNS, and discuss the topics that matter to you.

Book a session

Empowering Leadership

Developed specifically for IBD CNS, Empowering Leadership is an integrated, experiential & practical programme that offers tools to empower and energise you to develop and strengthen your leadership and advanced communication skills. Please contact us using the link below to learn more.

Meet our dedicated Steering Committee

We have collaborated with IBD CNS and Consultant Nurses from across the UK to bring their expert experience to the IBD Empower community. Each member brings their own unique perspective as an IBD specialist, and together they help deliver peer-reviewed content to support your development and progression.

Julie Duncan

MSc, RGN

Clinical Nurse Educator in IBD, Takeda UK Ltd

Education and development have been central to all my roles in GI nursing over the last 26 years, including my time as Lead IBD CNS at Guy's & St Thomas' hospitals and as honorary lecturer at the former Burdett Institute of GI Nursing (King's College London). In 2018, I was proud to join Takeda UK and co-create bespoke education aimed at empowering IBD CNS to achieve their potential and optimise patient care.
Cath Stansfield

MSc, BSc (hons), NP, RN

Advanced Practitioner in Intestinal Failure, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester

As a leader in IBD nursing and gastroenterology for many years, I am passionate about supporting both nurses and individuals within the IBD community. I channelled this enthusiasm into my former national leadership roles within the RCN IBD Network, and established Level 6 and 7 university modules in IBD. I have many publications in national and international nursing journals, along with presentations at both national and international level.
Isobel Mason

RGN, MSc, MCGI

Consultant Nurse in Gastroenterology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Having been an IBD CNS for many years, I now have a fabulous team of CNS who run a busy, responsive IBD service. Leading Crohn's & Colitis UK's nursing strategy has helped me refocus on patients, delivering care that is responsive to their needs whilst championing the advanced skills of IBD CNS delivering quality care. It's fantastic to work with Takeda UK supporting IBD CNS to reach their potential.
Dawn Warren

BSc, RN, MSc

IBD Clinical Nurse Specialist, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

I started my career in IBD as an IBD Research Nurse in 2017 after working several years in the ICU. I loved the speciality and soon moved into the IBD CNS role. When I was a new IBD nurse I was so grateful for the educational opportunities that built up my confidence and enabled me to support my patients, and I feel privileged to contribute to IBD Empower.
Niamh Lavery

BSc, RN

IBD Clinical Nurse Specialist, Craigavon Area Hospital, Craigavon and Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry

In my time as an IBD nurse, I have been lucky to experience IBD care across four different centres both in England and Northern Ireland. I have discovered how educational opportunities can vary between services, and for new IBD nurses just starting out, I can fully appreciate how these Takeda UK modules will contribute value to a well-rounded IBD education in those initial years.
Lynn Gray

MSc, Cert ed, RGN

Consultant Nurse in IBD, Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Wirral

I have been a Nurse Consultant at Wirral University Teaching Hospital since 2017, and before this worked as an IBD Specialist Nurse for many years. I work with a great team of nurses and my consultant role allows me the time to look at improving services, focussing on patient care and self-management to create a sustainable and effective service for our IBD patients.
David Armour

BSc, RN

Lead Advanced Nurse IBD, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness

I have worked as an IBD nurse in the far North of Scotland for a number of years. We have a small but talented team with a passion for delivering equitable care despite our remote location. Central to this is continuing nurse education and embracing technology. Good luck!