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HAPPY HOLIDAYS TOILET SIGNAGE AND CAN’T WAIT CARDS MAKE TRAVEL WITH IBD A LITTLE EASIER
T
hinking about travel can be a worrisome business for those living with IBD. Things should be a little easier this summer thanks to good progress in Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Travel with IBD campaign, which is striving to have “Not every disability is visible” toilet signage installed in travel hubs.
WHO’S ON BOARD? NOT EVERY DISABILITY IS VISIBLE SIGNAGE IS IN PLACE AT: 6 • SUMMER 2018 • CONNECT
Around 85% of hubs targeted – including airports and service stations – engaged positively with the charity and 48% have introduced new signs. “Since we launched the campaign in August 2017, almost 3,000 people have taken part, emailing
AIRPORTS l Aberdeen International l Belfast International l Birmingham International l Bournemouth l East Midlands l Edinburgh l Glasgow International l Leeds Bradford l London Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted l Newcastle International l Southampton
The Can’t Wait Card
more than 50,000 times to the 27 travel organisations to encourage them to change their signage,” says Andy McGuinness, campaigns manager for the charity. “We’re delighted with the response the campaign has had. Members have really got on board with this and we know the signage is already tackling stigma and making a big difference to the lives of those living
with IBD, who need easy access to toilets to support them with their condition.” Crohn’s and Colitis UK also engaged with the travel hubs to train staff to improve understanding of IBD and increase acceptance of the charity’s Can’t Wait Card. The card is available to members of Crohn’s and Colitis UK via the membership team on 01727 734465, and can be ordered in 29 different
RAIL STATIONS managed by l ScotRail l Southeastern Rail
SERVICE STATIONS managed by l Moto Hospitality l Roadchef ... with more following soon!
Newcastle airport signage
languages, professionally translated and ideal for your holiday abroad. During a holiday in the Hungarian capital Budapest, Paul used his Can’t Wait Card to access a toilet in a cafe. He said: “Budapest has very few public toilets so the only options are hotels or independent cafes and bars. I saw a little cafe and asked to use the toilet that says it’s for customers. When I showed my Can’t Wait Card
WE ARE DELIGHTED WITH THE RESPONSE TO THE CAMPAIGN
… Bingo! They couldn’t have been more obliging.” The Travel with IBD campaign began after a survey of 1,776 people with IBD, conducted by Takeda UK Ltd, Crohn’s and Colitis UK and IBD Passport, found that 72% felt IBD limited their travel some to all of the time, 70% worried about toilet facilities while travelling and 28% had deferred, cancelled or changed a trip because of an IBD-related issue. Crohn’s and Colitis UK are continuing to work with businesses to adopt the signage and accept the Can’t Wait Card. Keep an eye on the website for more information over the coming months.
lF ind out about insurance, vaccinations and malaria tablets before you book your holiday. lO btain an EHIC card for travel in Europe. lP lan ahead so you can take enough medicines/ medical supplies to cover the whole time you will be away plus any possible delays. Double your supply if you can. lC heck whether you need an import/export drug licence. lG et a copy of your prescription. lA sk your GP for a medical summary and a flare-up plan. If necessary, get these translated into the appropriate language(s). l T ake details of your own doctor and IBD team, including phone numbers and email addresses. lF ind out details of doctors in the places you will be staying (check the IBD Passport website). lG et a foreign-language Can’t Wait Card. lC heck availability of toilet facilities on transport you will be using and, where
possible, book a seat near the toilet. l If flying, inform the airline of any special dietary requirements. lP ack your medication, any medical supplies and your emergency travel kit in your hand luggage and check with the airline for any product restrictions. l I f you have a stoma, get a travel certificate from Colostomy UK or the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (IA) and check whether supplies can be delivered to your destination. l Contact your hotel about en-suite toilets and laundry facilities, and any dietary requirements. l Research your destination so you know what to expect. l Just before you travel, be sure to eat foods that are unlikely to cause upset. l Ensure you follow good standards of food and water hygiene while away. MORE TRAVEL ADVICE crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/ travelandibd
Preparation is key to success
CONNECT • SUMMER 2018 • 7
