Parents want a paediatric specialist Inflammatory Bowel Disease nurse at Auckland's Starship Hospital

Crohn's and Colitis Charitable Trust says it's basic, standard of care treatment for people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Trust Chair Dr Richard Stein says they've been pleading with hospital administrators to fill the position for years and have now launched a petition.

He says it's not a question of funding, but of need and caring for children.

Stein says to use the old excuse of not enough funding - they're not talking about millions of dollars but the salary of one nurse.

Auckland DHB has been contacted for comment.