David Sanders, Sheffield Gastorenterologist, honoured by Coeliac UK

Professor David Sanders was awarded the Healthcare Professional Award for 2010 by Coeliac UK at the Charity’s annual conference held in Edinburgh on Saturday, 26th June.

Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease, presents a series of awards to recognise the hard work and extraordinary commitment of people across the UK who provide outstanding assistance and help to those with the condition.

The winners of all the awards are chosen following nominations to the Charity. Professor Sanders from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield was nominated by a number of his patients. A few of whose comments included:

“Since I have been diagnosed, I have received excellent support from everyone involved with my care at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. However, in my opinion Professor David Sanders is the ideal candidate for this award. He is a most approachable doctor and he always has time for me, not rushing through a consultation, no matter what time of day the appointment is.”

“He has helped us in many ways over the past 12 years, whether his speaking at our meetings or organising events during Coeliac Awareness Week.”

“I feel 100% better than I did last year and much more confident and positive about life in general and being coeliac - this is down to Professor Sanders’ care and expertise.”

Professor Sanders has recently been conferred the title of Honorary Professor in Gastroenterology by the University of Sheffield. He said, “I was delighted and stunned and finally, and most importantly, very grateful to all the patients who have supported me not just for this award but throughout the last 12 years. I look forward to continuing to provide a dedicated clinic for people with coeliac disease in the region and also to carry on with research projects to aid in better diagnosis of the condition.”

The Healthcare Professional Award was sponsored by Glutafin. Chris Hook, Managing Director
said: “Glutafin are truly delighted to be supporting Coeliac UK’s Healthcare Professional award this year. The wide variety of healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and care of coeliac disease demonstrates how important their contribution is to the daily lives of those living with the condition. David Sanders honour at winning this award is doubly deserved, recognising both his contribution to research and raising awareness of coeliac disease with other health professionals but also his work to improve the lives of patients in any way he can. Being honoured by the patients you serve is one of the highest accolades - well done David.”

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten, which causes an inflammation in the gut; if left untreated, the disease can lead to more serious conditions, such as osteoporosis, infertility or bowel cancer. The only treatment for coeliac disease is sticking to a strict life-long gluten-free diet.

At least 1 in 100 people in the UK has coeliac disease; so for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, being careful about what they eat is not just a faddy diet – it is an essential way of life.