The Mercy University Hospital Foundation funds ultrasound technology for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease at ‘The Mercy’

Approximately 40,000 people are living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Ireland, over 4,000 of which attend the Mercy University Hospital for treatment of their condition. The Mercy University Hospital is now leading the way with a new nurse-led point of care ultrasound in IBD (IBDUS), funded by the Mercy University Hospital Foundation at a cost of €93,032.

The new ultrasound, lead out by Dr Donal Sheehan, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Mercy University Hospital, is a safe, non-invasive assessment tool that will be used amongst patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, such as Crohn’s disease and Colitis, to assess and monitor the bowel wall thickness, detect complications, and assess response to treatment. 

The ultrasound can be performed in the clinic or during infusions; and enables medical teams at ‘The Mercy’ to make a decision on a patient’s care plan immediately, enabling earlier intervention, or an escalation or switch of medication as required. In certain situations, it will also replace the need for CT, MRI and Colonoscopy tests; thus increasing capacity in these areas.

The new technology is both time efficient and convenient from a patient’s perspective, taking approximately 15 minutes, and it can be performed at the patient’s bedside, or at an outpatient clinic appointment. 

Talking about the benefits of the new ultrasound, Caitríona O’ Sullivan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in IBD, Mercy University Hospital, said “This newly introduced technology increases patient empowerment and allows us to ensure a personalised treatment plan for each patient, by ensuring feedback is given to patients at the time of the ultrasound. As it is a non-invasive test, patients are not required to undergo any preparation prior to this test, thus also enhancing patients’ safety and comfort.”

Describing how it works, Dr Donal Sheehan, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Mercy University Hospital, explained: “With the new ultrasound, we are essentially walking patients through the results as the test is happening in real time during the clinic visit. We are able to show them what is happening on the screen, allowing them to ask questions. They can tell us about their symptoms, and we can pinpoint where the issue is. It is a real game changer.”

For more information on the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, and the projects such as this, which it funds, visit www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.