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Bladder > Info and Advice > Practical Advice
Practical Advice
When you have been diagnosed with a bladder or bowel problem there will be many questions running through your mind. You may remember to ask your health professional the most obvious ones but in case you're left searching and more importantly worrying, we have included some useful information and handy tips on this page.
You might also like to see our FAQ's section which contains responses to common questions, answered by health professionals.
Approaching your GP
It is never too late to get help with your bladder problems. If you would like some advice on how to approach your GP regarding your bladder or bowel problem you may find our Advice Sheets helpful. They also include information on tests that your GP may recommend you have done. To download, please click here Bladder Advice Sheet or for bowel please click here Bowel Advice Sheet.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) How to complain
If you feel safety is at risk
Out and about
Below are some options for you to help you gain access to toilets whilst out and about.
B&BF Just Can't Wait Toilet Card - Helpling you to gain access to toilets. If you would like to find out more about our Just Can't Wait toilet card please visit our Resources section.
Radar Key - The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country with the Radar key. Although these essentially are disabled toilets, you can still gain access to them if you have the key.
If you would like to find out more about the Radar key please visit the Radar website.
The Patients Association
The Patients Association’s motto is ‘Listening to Patients, Speaking up for Change’. This motto is the basis on which they build all their campaigns. Via the Helpline, they capture stories about Healthcare from over thousands of patients, family members and carers every year. They use this knowledge to campaign for real improvements to health and social care services across the UK. In addition, the Helpline provides valuable signposting and information for patients and supports them as they navigate through the Healthcare service.
They ensure that the opinions of patients are gathered on a wide variety of health and social care issues. Concerns that they hear form the basis of their campaigns which are targeted at various stakeholders such as parliamentarians, the media, civil servants, other charities and professional bodies.
They also have a range of booklets and guides for patients and have produced a number of research reports
To visit The Patients Association website please click here.
VAT reduced continence products
Customers you wish to purchase continence products from retail stores will probably find that the VAT has already been removed from the marked shelf price of products. The 0% VAT only applies to individuals who are purchasing 200 pieces or less for personal use. If you are buying continence products online, you may be asked to complete a VAT declaration form.
The following store's reflect the 0% VAT on the shelf price of continence products;
- Tesco
- Waitrose
- Boots
- Superdrug
- most small chemists
Welfare Benefits
Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through partner organisations. If you have been denied welware benefits Turn2Us may be able to help you.
Last updated: 15/03/2013
