24th Jan - Debate in House of Lords on the Department of Health's Part IX Drug Tariff Consultation on prescribable continence, urology and stoma products

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:10:05 GMT

Earl Howe (Conservative spokesperson for Health) initiated the debate and gave a thorough and detailed account of the detrimental effects the Department of Health's proposals would have on patients, manufacturers and other stakeholders. Other peers spoke during the debate. Many of them gave a very personalised view of their conditions and the difficulties associated with them. Of particular note was:Baroness Pitkeathley (Labour), Lord Roberts (Conservative) and Baroness Wilkins (Labour). Baroness Royall responded on behalf of the Government and made some encouraging comments as to the direction that the Department of Health is going with the review.To read the full debate see

Update on Part IX Drug Tariff Consultation on catheters, incontinence appliances and stoma appliances.

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 09:01:42 GMT

www.dh.gov.uk . Closing date has been extended to 28^th December.2007

Happy Birthday Changing Places

Mon, 6 Aug 2007 15:41:04 GMT

Changing Places, Changing Lives was launched a year ago to campaign for Changing Places toilets - which include a hoist, changing bench and plenty of space - to be installed in all big public places in the UK.Changing Places toilets are needed by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, their families and carers, and other people who need assitance to use the toilet. Without Changing Places toilets thousands of disabled people and their families have to return home after a few short hours, or are forced to carry out changing on dirty toilet floors.The Changing Places campaign is changing this. Since the campaign launched at the Tate Modern in July 2006:- the number of public Changing Places toilets on our UK map has increased from 8 to 32- 30 venues have committed to install a Changing Places toilet in the near future- plans to install Changing Places toilets in Asda supermarkets and other key venues are being developed- 8 venues with Changing Places toilets won a 'Loo of the Year' award and Nottingham City Council also won a national Community Care Award- significant progress has been made to secure a change to British Standard 8300 (which gives recommendations for the design of new buildings to meet the needs of disabled people) to include Changing Places toilets.- an Early Day motion in support of the campaign tabled by Phillip Davies MP was signed by 112 MP's of all parties- over 1.5 million people have seen media coverage of the Changing Places campaign- a factsheet on the legal issues associated with Changing Places toilets has been produced by the Changing Places consortium, together with experts in law and disability and moving and handling policies.The incredible support and hard work of campaigners up and down the country has greatly contributed to this success. Many campaign groups have formed and are making significant progress locally. In particular, lo

Update on continence items listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff, July 2007

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:12:59 GMT

The Department of Health (DH) has published summaries of the responses to the three consultations on Part IX Drug Tariff concerning prescribable continence/urology/stoma products. See full version of summaries at link:"http://www.dh.gov.uk/ www.dh.gov.uk (click consultations, click responses). The DH state ''The volume and complexity of the responses are such that the Department has decided that it needs more time to analyse the information provided. This analysis needs to take account of comments made about the Department's proposals regarding terms of services for Part IX. Consequently, no changes will be implemented in July 2007 as proposed in the consultation documents. Moreover, we do not expect that the review will be completed by the end of the year''.Incontact hopes that ''critically through out the review, the needs of patients continue to be paramount and the Department is committed to ensuring that their care is maintained'' applies to all three consultations. Incontact is continuing to lobby Parliament to try to make sure that individual patient's needs including choice are met if changes take place.

Update on 3 consultations relating to Stoma and Incontinence applicances under Part IX of the Drug Tariff

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:26:37 GMT

The statement issued by the DH and Caroline Flinton the 23 May appeared to relate to all three consultations that closed on 2nd April but the content only focused on two concerning services provided by dispensing contractors. Whilst it is stated, ''The needs of patients are paramount and the Department is committed to ensuring that their care is maintained and, where appropriate, improved''. Information Incontact has received on reclassification of products is of continued concern to patients who use continence and urology applicances such as catheters, sheaths and drainage bags. Reclassification appears to be taking place with no patient involvement, even though patient users are the main stakeholder.In a reply to a question raised by Lord Roberts of Conwy, Lord Hunt seems determined that savings of £27 million will be made from changes to the reimbursement price for these items. It is likely that some of these products will no longer be viable to manufacture if these proposals are instigated. It is vital that patients have continued access to products they trust and use in all life situations to manage bladder or bowel dysfunction, 24/7, often for life.Products used by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting are not always suitable or useable by patient users in situations such as public toilets. A full range of products must continue to be available to meet individual user need and overcome any disability. Incontact is working with Spinal Injuries Association and Urostomy Association in order to make sure a pledge made in April by Ivan Lewis is kept ( that patients/product & service users should and would be at the heart of all further consultation on this matter).Questions continue to be raised in both the House of Commons and House of Lords on all 3 consultations.LATEST UPDATE - 25TH JUNEThis notice has been posted from No 10Please visit the No 10 Petitions websit

INCONTACT STATEMENT ON NEW NICE GUIDANCE PUBLISHED TO HELP PEOPLE MANAGE DISTRESSING BOWEL PROBLEM

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:54:01 GMT

The good news is that it will be standard national practice that healthcare professionals ask people in the high-risk groups about the problem and not solely down to the individual to present to their GP. We really hope this guidance will encourage patients to become more confident talking about faecal incontinence so that healthcare professionals can diagnose the cause and offer the more appropriate support and treatment.Please click on the link below for the press release from NICE on this new guidancelink:"pdf/2007%20033%20-%20NICE%20issues%20faecal%20incontinence%20guideline%20APP.doc NICE Press releaseYou can also click on the links below to download the full guidance document and the quick reference documentlink:"pdf/CG49FullGuideline.pdf Full guidance documentlink:"pdf/CG49QuickRefGuide.pdf Quick reference document

News for those who use prescribable continence, urology or stoma applicances

Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:25 GMT

The Department of Health has issued a statement about the consultations on Part IX of the Drug Tariff. They state that no changes will be implemented in July 2007 as previously proposed.The needs of patients are paramount and the Department is committed to ensuring that their care is maintained and, where appropriate, improved. The Department seeks to ensure that the NHS is receiving value for money and want to make sure that the services provided by all dispensing contractors are to the same standard no matter where in England a user of these applicances may live.They do not anticipate that the review of the responses to the consultation will be before the end of the year. They have assured Incontact that they will keep us updated.

New clinical trial for prostate cancer

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:56:37 GMT

Doctors are looking for patients to take part in a new clinical trial (Phase IIb) that has started at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The trial is studying the effects of a new vaccine treatment called Onyvax-P. The vaccine is being tested to see if it will slow down the spread of the disease. Despite increasingly successful treatment of early prostate cancer, many men have disease that recurs. Hormone therapy is used to control recurrent disease, but eventually PSA levels start to rise again. Rising PSA levels indicate that the cancer has begun to grow again. Chemotherapies are available once the disease has spread to the bone. However, there are increasing numbers of men receiving hormone therapy whose PSA has begun to rise, but whose disease cannot yet be detected in the bone. There are no treatment options for patients at this stage of disease. If patients or doctors would like to find out more, please visit www.onyvax.com, email clinical.trial@surrey.ac.uk or call Angel Garcia on 01483 688572. This week is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, an annual health awareness campaign organised in the UK by The Prostate Cancer Charity. In 2005 there were over 10,000 deaths in the UK from prostate cancer, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

Please sign a petition to the Prime Minister about home delivery of continence products.

Thu, 1 Mar 2007 12:57:44 GMT

Many people have expressed concerns about current Department of Health proposals relating to the provision of continence products and services. Those with concerns are now able to make their voice heard through an online petition to the Prime Minister, available on the 10 Downing Street website link:"http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/homedelivery http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/homedelivery.There is particular concern that the Government¹s proposals appear to contain no provision to continue to support home delivery of continence products for urology patients. The payment structure being proposed by the Department of Health might also have a serious impact on the services provided to stoma patients.With sufficient support, we can ensure that the Government reconsiders their proposals.

Can you comment on the NICE draft NHS guidance about closure of anorectal fistula using a suturable bioprosthetic plug?

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:17:26 GMT

An anal fistula is an abnormal opening between the anal canal and the skin around the anus. It may cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort and leaking of blood or pus. In this procedure, a specially designed ‘plug’ is inserted into the fistula and stitched in place.The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) has drafted guidance to the NHS, determining whether this procedure is safe and works well enough to be used more widely in the NHS by clinicians, such as consultants. This guidance will cover England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.Patients and carers – particularly those who have experienced this procedure - are invited to give their written views as part of this consultation on whether our draft guidance has anything important missing or factually wrong and whether you agree with the recommendations made. NICE have a short questionnaire you can use to do this.The consultation on this procedure runs from 27^th February to 27^th March 2007 as part of NICE’s Interventional Procedures Programme. You can see the documentation by going to: link:"http://www.nice.org.uk/article.aspx?o=ip378consultation http://www.nice.org.uk/article.aspx?o=ip378consultationPatient and carer comments will be presented to the decision-making committee, and responses to comments will be published with the final guidance.NICE would like to reassure that patient and patient organisation comments really can make a difference, and previous comments by both have led to changes in their recommendations and the wording of their guidance.Experience of this particular procedure would be particularly useful, but comments are also most welcome from patients or carers who can comment on this procedure from a patient perspective e.g. because they have the condition it treats or have had an alternative procedure for the same condition.<

Have you had treatment for vaginal prolapse?

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:18:20 GMT

Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when organs around the vagina slip down from their normal position. Sacrocolpopexy is an operation which supports the vaginal organs in their natural position by attaching a piece of material (mesh), usually from the top and back of the vagina to a ligament at the back of the pelvis.The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) will be drafting guidance to the NHS, determining whether Mesh sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse is safe and works well enough to be used more widely in the NHS by clinicians, such as consultants. This guidance will cover England, Wales and Scotland.Patients and carers – particularly those who have experienced this procedure - are invited to give their written views as part of this consultation on whether our draft guidance has anything important missing or factually wrong and whether you agree with the recommendations made. We have a short questionnaire you can use to do this.The consultation on this procedure runs from 29th November to 19th December 2006 as part of NICE’s Interventional Procedures Programme.Patient and carer comments will be presented to the decision-making committee, and responses to comments will be published with the final guidance.We would like to reassure that patient and patient organisation comments really can make a difference, and previous comments by both have led to changes in our recommendations and the wording of our guidance.Experience of this particular procedure would be particularly useful, but comments are also most welcome from patients or carers who can comment on this procedure from a patient perspective e.g. because they have the condition it treats or have had an alternative procedure for the same condition.A patient information guide will be available. Support to complete the consultation questionn

Carol Thatcher speaks out on bladder weakness

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:46:29 GMT

As new guidelines are published by NICE to improve the treatment and care of the five million women in the UK¹ who suffer with stress urinary incontinence, Carol Thatcher is working with DEPEND^® to raise awareness for the condition. Carol Thatcher has chosen to speak out on the subject of incontinence (commonly known as bladder weakness) in a bid to break down the taboo associated with the condition. NICE’s new set of guidelines published last week highlight the treatments available ranging from simple lifestyle changes to drug treatments and surgery in more serious cases. According to doctors, this distressing condition remains one of the last taboo subjects in healthcare and the incidence of bladder weakness is set to rise as the baby boomer generation begin to reach their fifties. An estimated one in four women aged over 40 suffer stress urinary incontinence, also known as bladder weakness, which is often caused by physical exertion such as sneezing, laughing or exercise. Urge incontinence is another form of the condition where a person feels a strong need to urinate and cannot stop herself. Carol is working with DEPEND^®to help people understand that bladder weakness is a very common condition that can affect people differently – from a small amount of leakage to a more serious and frequent problem. Carol says, “Bladder weakness can be an embarrassing topic, but so many people experience it and they shouldn’t feel worried about discussing it with their doctor or a specialist continence advisor. Surprisingly, it affects more people than hay fever! In many cases people can use pads to manage the condition, though in some instances other treatment may also be necessary.”

New NICE guidelines for the care of women with urinary incontinence

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 11:28:29 GMT

New NICE guidelines launched to improve treatment and care for millions of women suffering in silenceNew guidelines to improve the care and treatment for millions of women suffering from a hidden and distressing condition are launched today (25 October).The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health have published a clinical guideline on the best way to manage urinary incontinence (UI) in women. The recommendations advise on the diagnosis of UI, effective treatments for women with this condition, as well as expected competencies of surgeons performing procedures. Urinary incontinence affects an estimated 5 million women in England and Wales aged over 20, yet the condition is largely a taboo subject. Urinary incontinence affects women at different ages - it can occur in women after pregnancy as well as in later years, often having a major impact on their day-to-day lives. Many women are too embarrassed to seek help from their GP, and often are not aware that effective treatments are available. Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine. Stress incontinence is the most common form of urinary incontinence, and is caused by physical exertion, such as sneezing or exercise. Urge incontinence is another form where the woman feels a strong need to urinate and cannot stop herself. The key recommendations include:

Diagnosis – a history should be taken from the woman to help categorise the type of incontinence.
Treatments: Lifestyle changes such as changing how much you drink and losing weight if the woman is very overweight are recommended to help improve all types of urinary incontinence. For stress incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence, the guideline recommends at least 3 months of pelvic floor muscle training should be

New educational initiative gives public 'confidence in continence'

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:17:27 GMT

A new, educational programme, developed by Pfizer Limited, has been launched to inform people about a range of bladder problems, including overactive bladder (OAB); a condition that affects five million men and women of all ages in the UK¹. The website, link:"http://www.confidenceincontinence.co.uk/ www.confidenceincontinence.co.uk, forms the central part of the programme, providing invaluable information on how to recognise different bladder problems, treatments available and useful advice on seeking help from an appropriate healthcare professional. In addition to the website, facts, figures, advice and useful contact details will be also be available in the form of educational advertisements which will appear in local press, posters on the back of toilet doors in local shopping centres and leaflets in GP surgeries and local libraries in the area, throughout August and September. Furthermore, Incontact, a leading UK-wide charity that provides information and support to people with bowel and bladder problems, will be at The MetroCentre, Gateshead, on Thursday 17th August from 10h00 and at The Friary Shopping Centre, Guildford, on Thursday 24^th August from 9h00, where continence advisors will be on-hand to advise the public on any questions or concerns relating to bladder problems. The event also invites people to learn more about the services that In contact provide, such as information on local support groups, treatments available, lifestyle advice and how to get in touch with local continence advisors. “This initiative will provide an ideal opportunity for people who are worried about bladder problems to obtain important information; the more knowledge people have, the better equipped they are to seek help from a healthcare professional, and obtain suitable advice on the treatment and management of their

New North Cumbria Incontact support group

Thu, 3 Aug 2006 13:54:44 GMT

A new In contact support group for people with bladder and/or bowel problems has recently been set up in North Cumbria.Details for their second group meeting are as follows:-

Press Release from the Department of Health - Involvement is power

Tue, 30 May 2006 15:30:39 GMT

Involvement is power: Rosie Winterton announces details of national resource centre for patient and public involvement

Inadequate and incomplete ' continence care in the UK

Thu, 24 Nov 2005 18:55:49 GMT

Press StatementThe first national audit of incontinence care for older people in the UK shows widespread failure to diagnose and manage continence problems. The audit, undertaken by the Royal College of Physician’s Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit and commissioned by the Healthcare Commission, examined the quality of care for older people with urinary and faecal incontinence in primary care, secondary care and care homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The audit was based on the standards set in the National Service Framework for Older People [2001] and the Department of Health guidance “Good practice in continence services”[2000] and recorded the care of over 9,000 patients and 700 care home residents. Data were returned by 159 Trusts covering 195 hospitals, 141 Primary Care Trusts and 29 care homes. Urinary incontinence affects some 24% of older people and 30-60% of people in institutional care. Faecal incontinence occurs in approximately 1-4% of adults and up to 25% of people in institutional care. Both cause much distress and loss of dignity for the older person. Effective management of continence depends on a thorough assessment of the patient leading to a diagnosis. The audit found that although specialist NHS staff had good continence knowledge, patients were often not examined thoroughly or given routine assessments. Even where this had been carried out effectively, there was no guarantee that the underlying diagnosis would be found and treated – for most patients only the symptoms are managed, when in some cases there could be a cure. In addition, the audit found a lack of written policies, missing documentation, limited provision of staff training, high use of indwelling catheters in hospital settings and widespread rationing of continence pads.The National Service Framework for Older People

Incontact Press Statement re. Little Britain incontinence sketch

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 14:23:16 GMT

Press Statement Issue Date: 23 November 2005 – 4pm Incontact response to the clash of The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) report on continence care and the Little Britain sketch. As a charity providing information and support for people with bladder and bowel problems, In contact seeks to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with incontinence and the need for improved standards of care in the management and treatment of continence problems. The publication of the first national audit of continence care for older people in the UK, published today by The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the broadcast last week of the BBC’s comedy show Little Britain, which included a sketch of an incontinent elderly woman have bought the issue of incontinence care to the attention of many. Lesley Woolnough, In contact Executive Director comments “Whilst we welcome the RCP report and the ensuing debate about the inadequacies in the quality of care that it has generated, the Little Britain sketch has received a mixed response by our membership. Incontinence can cause much distress and those experiencing continence problems often feel embarrassment and loss of dignity. Encouraging people to talk about their condition and seek medical advice and treatment can be difficult as they often isolate themselves. Although the Little Britain sketch has raised awareness of an issue which many are reluctant to talk or write about, I think it is important to remember that put in context this is actually a medical condition which has a significant imp

Letter from our new Chairman

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:47:01 GMT

Dear Supporters,

Â Firstly, I would like to introduce myself as the new Chairman of contact since the late 90s as a result of health-related personal experience, and have a great deal of experience and a strong interest in the health care sector.contact.

Â On another note, I'm sure you will all be aware by now that we have a new website.Â Unfortunately, as with many websites in the initial stages of launching there have been a few technical glitches, but we do hope to have the site running smoothly very soon.info@incontact.org and keep an eye out for future devel

Celebrity launches new health campaign to raise awareness of stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

Mon, 8 Aug 2005 16:49:09 GMT
panelist, today kick starts a UK initiative to help women suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Janet hopes that three simple steps may help women start to overcome the debilitating¹ difficulties the condition can cause.

New leaflet from the Continence Foundation

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT
The Continence Foundation has launched a new leaflet all about men's problems. The leaflet, called 'Calling All Men', was launched during the recent continence awareness week. It covers a range of problems including leakage after going to the toilet, prostate problems and bedwetting. The leaflet outlines the cause of these and what can be done to help. To order your copy of the leaflet, call the Continence Foundation on 0845 345 0165 (between 9.30am and 1pm Monday to Friday), or email continence-help@dial.pipex.com.

National Service Framework for Older People ' an update

Mon, 30 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT
The Department of Health has released a progress report on the changes needed under the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People. The NSF, published two years ago, sets out guidelines that need to be followed to promote the best possible NHS service for older people. Continence services were covered in the NSF. The NSF stated: 'Incontinence is distressing for the individual, and for their carers, and is the second most common reason for admission to residential care. Continence services have not been readily available to all those who need them.' It also said that 'integrated continence services should be established'. The progress report summarises the changes to the health service so far, and discusses further improvements that still need to be made. Read the progress report at link:"http://www.doh.gov.uk/nsf/olderpeople/olderpeople-updatemar03.pdf www.doh.gov.uk/nsf/olderpeople/olderpeople-updatemar03.pdf.

Stressful silence

Mon, 30 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT
The treatment of stress incontinence in women was discussed at the recent European Association of Urology congress. Topics included women's views on treatment, the importance of encouraging sufferers to come forward for advice, and new advances in treatment. The conference heard that the majority of women with stress incontinence (up to 80% by some estimates) never seek help for their problem. Older women are particularly reluctant to ask for help. Deborah Lightner, an incontinence specialist for the United States, suggests several reasons for this including embarrassment, that they may not want surgery, or that they view their symptoms as 'not severe enough'. What do women want from treatment? A UK study carried out last year asked 100 women for their views. The women said that they would prefer a minor procedure that had no risk of long-term complications to a major operation that was more effective but carried risks. Doctors are still gaining experience with newer treatments, but it is clear that major surgery for stress incontinence is already becoming much less common.

Diverticular Disease

Mon, 30 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT
In contact has now formally taken over the work of the National Association for Diverticular Disease (NADD). As you may have read in the last issue, diverticular disease affects millions of people in the UK, but is a hidden problem with little treatment available. Incontact hopes to raise awareness of the condition and encourage people to get the best help available. We would like to thank all the former members of NADD for supporting us in this work, and especially Ron Hopkinson and Gwen Lavender for all their hard work.

TVT guidelines

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 12:45:56 GMT
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has released its guidelines on the use of Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT), an operation to help women with stress incontinence. NICE has recommended that TVT is considered as an option for women who have tried other non-surgical treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises, without success. Planning and Resources Director and Executive Lead on the TVT guidance, Andrea Sutcliffe said, â€œStress incontinence affects a significant proportion of women ' some surveys suggest as many as 52% of women suffer some degrees of stress incontinence. The NICE guidance will ensure that many women with this distressing condition will now be able to enjoy the benefits of this new treatment.â€ For more information, visit link:"http://www.nice.org.uk/ www.nice.org.uk.

Incontact highly commended

Sun, 30 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT
In contact has been highly commended and awarded ?1,000 in the recent GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Awards. Charities are marked on Innovation, Management, Partnership, Achievement, Community focus and Targeting need (IMPACT). Director of Charitable Donations at GlaxoSmithKline, Kate Pinnock said, â€œOnce again we were impressed by the high standard of achievement by these small healthcare organisations. GlaxoSmithKline is dedicated to paying tribute to the commitment of these charities who make such a big difference to people's lives despite the constraints of their size.â€

New factsheets from the IBS Network

Sun, 30 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT
The IBS Network has produced two new factsheets to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The factsheets, entitled 'Bloating and Flatulence' and 'Acupuncture and IBS', are available free to all members of the charity. Non-members can also purchase the factsheets for a small fee. For more information, or to find out how to join, visit link:"http://www.ibsnetwork.org.uk/ www.ibsnetwork.org.uk.

Special care products

Mon, 30 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT
Special Care Products have launched a new range of washable waterproof bedding, chair pads and incontinence pants. The bedding range includes vinyl, polyester or quilted cotton mattress covers, as well as a variety of sheet and mattress protectors. All waterproof products are manufactured using high quality materials that can be machine washed, dried and bleached hundreds of times without the vinyl cracking, giving you added confidence at night. For more information on the full range call 01293 775800 or visit

National Continence Awareness Week 17-23 September

Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT
The theme of this year's campaign is how to cope with the emotional effect of incontinence. The Continence Foundation have a new leaflet, Helping You to Help Yourself. It is a self-help guide offering tips on how to maintain or regain the self-esteem and confidence that can be lost when bladder or bowel control is impaired. It also suggests how the condition can be explained to friends and relatives in an unembarrassing way. To obtain a copy of this leaflet please ring 0845 345 0165 or visit the Continence Foundation website: link:"http://www.continence-foundation.org.uk/" target="_blank www.continence-foundation.org.uk

Incontact Conference 2001

Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT
In contact 's third annual conference set a record for the biggest gathering of consumers to date. Almost 200 people - consumers, health workers and company representatives - came from all round the country to listen to the speakers and join discussion in some of the fourteen workshops. The atmosphere was buzzing as people heard about the latest advances in treatment and management of continence problems - and shared their own thoughts and ideas. Companies who had stands in the exhibition area were also enthusiastic about the event. Helen Standen from Bard, which makes a variety of appliances, said: "It was fascinating to talk to so many consumers. It really made me think about our whole product range in a different way - there was such a lot of useful information coming from participants". Two new awards were also presented at the conference. The In contact / ACA Award for Continence Care, supported by DxU Ltd, was presented to two winning nurses Jean Couper and Jocelyn Li. Both won a BVI 5000 BladderScan unit. The In contact Support Network Award was jointly won by three local groups, each one receiving ?100: Redbridge Conti-Care, the Flowline Group and Berkshire In contact Support Group. Local Derby MP Bob Laxton joined DxU Ltd representative Melanie Kearns and ACA Chairman Jeanette Haslam for presentations of the awards. In contact 's Chairman Barry Brooks closed the day with a call to action, asking all present to work together to raise awareness and demand better services. A full report of the conference and what went on in the different workshops will be published later in the year - look out for more

Incontact Conference 2001 - Promoting Continence

Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT
An event for consumers and healthcare professionals, sharing good practice and generating new ideas.September 5 University of Derby Features include guest speakers, an exciting programme of workshops, exhibitions and displays from companies and not-for-profit organisations. Workshops will focus on:

ISC management

Pads and pants

People with spinal injury

Promoting faecal continence

Changing attitudes

People with MS

Residential and nursing homes

People with a learning disability

Patient information - getting it right

Getting user involvement in service provision

Support and self-help groups - starting up and keeping going

For more information and registration form get in touch with the In contact office. In contact United House North Road London N7 9DP Call 020 7700 7035 Fax 020 7700 7045 link:"info@incontact.org E-mail us

And The Winner Is..........

Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT
Congratulations to the winners! In contact Support Network Award Winners 2001 1. Berkshire In contact Support Group 2. Flowline Group 3. Redbridge Conti-Care Special Commendation for Personal Care 1. Monty Barber Incontact / ACA Award for Continence Care 2001 Award Winners 1. Jean Couper 2. Jocelyn Li Sponsored by DxU Ltd Special Commendations 1. Phil Prynn 2. Joyce Sullivan 3. Marie Riding 4. Katherine Wilkinson 5. Ray Addison 6. Alison Bardsley

VAT dropped from incontinence products.

Sun, 30 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT
The announcement made by Customs & Excise (September 11th 2001) will come into effect on the 1st October 2001 and will allow consumers to purchase up to 200 pads, VAT free, per purchase. Previously consumers have only been eligible to gain VAT exemption by filling out an exemption form. However, many were unaware that they were eligible for VAT relief, or were reluctant to draw attention to their condition by completing the form. Incontinence affects one in four women and one in 10 men. Incontinence products are available free of charge on the NHS. Research suggests that people suffer in silence for an average of five years before seeking help. This means that thousands of people use over-the-counter products. These over-the-counter products will be reduced by almost 20 per cent in price from October 1 after the Government agreed to drop the 17.5 per cent VAT previously charged on these products. In contact s vision is a future where incontinence is no longer taboo, where people with bladder and bowel problems have free access to information and support and to the treatments, products and services they need.

Continence Care Awards 2001

Sat, 30 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT
Win a bladder scanner for your continence service. Is you Continence Service efficient and responsive to your needs? Is your nurse/health care worker friendly and helpful? Yes, then apply for the In contact /ACA Continence Care Award and your service could win a bladder scanner. For a nomination form contact the In contact office. In contact United House North Road London N7 9DP Call 020 7700 7035 Fax 020 7700 7045 link:"info@incontact.org E-mail us

Support Network Award Win ?500

Sat, 30 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT
In contact is launching a new award to celebrate the good work of Support Network initiatives. We urge everyone to apply whether you are involved in a telephone link or a group. The prize is an amazing ?500 and a trophy which will be presented at the In contact Conference on 5th September 2001.Please contact the In contact office for an entry form and don't forget you can even nominate yourself. Good luck!For an entry form contact the In contact office. In contact United HouseNorth RoadLondon N7 9DPCall 020 7700 7035Fax 020 7700 7045link:"info@incontact.org E-mail us

Wetting yourself. It's no laughing matter.

Sat, 31 Mar 2001 00:00:00 GMT
"People's reaction to my problem is horrible. They laugh or snigger or make rude remarks. But I suffer from a medical condition like many others the only difference is that it affects my bowels. I wish society would accept that continence problems are not indecent - they need to be treated like any other medical condition." These are the words of Jane Russell, one of the six million Britons who will at some point in their lives suffer from continence problems. The Manifesto for Continence, organised by patient support group, In contact , aims to help sufferers like Jane by removing the stigma and giving voice to what people like her need. The Manifesto involved the largest ever patient consultation of its kind undertaken in the UK, compiling the views of 300,000 UK citizens. Jolyon Rose, Executive Director of In contact , commented, "People with continence problems should not feel as though they cannot speak out. Incontinence is a common problem but people don't realise that they are not alone or that help is available. The Manifesto for Continence is designed to bring such problems into the public eye and to take steps towards breaking down the taboo that surrounds them." The manifesto addresses the big issues facing incontinence sufferers and is supported by 17 of the UK's largest patient and carers charities. The full results of the manifesto will be made available on the 11^th September 2001.

Manifesto - What people said

Sat, 31 Mar 2001 00:00:00 GMT
What people said....

Over 6 million people in the UK suffer from bladder and bowel problems.

Continence problems can affect men and women of any age

There is a lot that can be done to help, but many people still suffer in silence

Eighteen UK patient and carers organisations asked their members what help they needed for these distressing conditions. The Manifesto for Continence summarises what people said. Awareness and understanding People with incontinence live in fear and shame. The condition is still taboo. People are afraid of having an accident but embarrassed to ask for help. Attitudes of others often cause more problems than the condition itself. People with continence problems want their conditions treated like any other medical condition. Why should we live in fear and shame when these conditions are so common? "People's reaction to my problem is horrible. They laugh or snigger or make rude remarks. But I suffer from a medical condition like many others'except it affects my bowel. I wish society would accept that continence problems are not indecent - they need to be treated like any other medical condition." - Jayne Russell Public toilets Public toilets everywhere are being closed down or left in a poor state. New developments and shopping centres often have inadequate facilities. Disabled toilets are inaccessible; facilities are dirty without soap, paper or towels. People with continence problems want decent toilet facilities. We need them in shops, high streets, petrol stations'all public places. Facilities should be accessible, properly maintained and cleaned. "I no longer go on trips due to the lack of toilet facilities. I only go shop

Manifesto for continence

Sat, 31 Mar 2001 00:00:00 GMT
< style="font-weight: normal; Have your say on-line The biggest ever public consultation has begun to find out the views of people with continence problems. In contact is co-ordinating the consultation - the first step on the road to produce a Manifesto for Continence which will be launched later this year. Over the next few weeks, 150,000 postcards will be sent out asking for peoples thoughts. The Manifesto for Continence will reflect the most important issues that affect people with these common conditions. It may be ideas about health services, products, information or even the attitudes of other people. 18 national organisations whose members are affected by continence problems are participating. The list includes the MS Society, Spinal Injuries Association and ASBAH - all large consumer organisations - as well as some that deal more specifically with continence problems: ERIC, National Association for Colitis and Crohn's, and the IBS Network. This is the first time that so many people with continence problems have been asked to say what they think. And the response has already been fantastic - hundreds of completed cards have been returned during the first month of the consultation. A huge range of issues are being raised but some general themes are starting to emerge. "My continence nurse has transformed the management of my problem", said one respondent. Other talk about the need for support and understanding from doctors, access to public toilet facilities, and the need for home delivery of pad supplies. Once the consultation phase is complete, responses will be collated and the Manifesto for Continence produced. The Manifesto will be launched at In contact 's conference on 5^th September at the University of Derby. The Manifesto will be a tool for health professionals and cons

How to avoid the Christmas dash''for the toilet.

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
It can spoil your Christmas dinner and cause more of a flush than the sherry. Having to dash for the loo is a very common problem. But during the festive season - in the middle of a meal, opening the presents, or playing the inevitable family game of trivial pursuits - it can be a real nuisance. A special fact sheet has been published to help the many people who suffer from bladder urgency. The sheet contains a whole host of tips, from how to avoid difficulties on the big day, to longer-term measures to help you improve your bladder health. Bladder urgency - the sudden and urgent desire to pass water - affects over 3 million people in the UK. The cause is commonly known as an 'unstable' or 'overactive' bladder. What this means is that the bladder muscle tries to squeeze out the urine, even when the bladder is not full, and even when you don't want to go. For many people, this can cause small leaks or big floods if they can't get to the loo in time.

The NHS Wants You

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
"Patients are the most important people in the health service. It doesn't always appear that way. Too many patients feel talked at, rather than listened to. This has to change." So begins the NHS Plan, published by the Department of Health in July. In contact has long believed that consumers are the starting point for planning a good service, and we continue to provide the 'patient's perspective' to health authorities at national and local levels. The new NHS Plan aims to take this even further, putting the consumer at the centre of his or her care. One of the 10 core principles laid down in the Plan is "The NHS will shape its services around the needs and preferences of individual patients, their families and their carers." These are fine words and, if put into practice, can only be good news for people with continence problems who are often used to being 'talked at, not listened to'. So how will all this happen? "Patients must have more say in their own treatment and more influence over the way the NHS works" says the Plan. There are new rights and new roles for consumers within the health service. Consumers will have more information about services and the treatment they receive. We will have the right to see our medical records and any letters about our treatment sent from one clinician to another. The Plan waxes eloquent on the need for services to listen to patients, new services to provide support and advocacy for patients, new ways for the consumer to have an input. " In contact is committed to seeing that these proposals are implemented" says Sir Barry Brooks, Chairman of In contact . "We have been working with the NH

Organising for Continence

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
The UK Continence Alliance (UKCA) has been formed to bring new energy to the quest for continence. The Alliance is made up of 8 different organisations who share the same vision of improving the lives of people with continence problems. In contact will work with the other members of the UKCA to raise public awareness these common problems, and to make sure that services and products are available which meet consumers' needs.

New legacy programme from Incontact

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
In contact is about to launch a programme to enable supporters to leave a lasting gift. The In contact legacy programme will provide simple advice on how to leave something to charity. A new booklet, to be published later this year, will give practical tips on writing a will and finding the right legal advice to help. Sir Barry Brooks, Chairman of In contact , said: "We feel that the time is right to give our supporters a chance to leave a charity legacy, should they so wish." Anyone who wants more information can contact the In contact office.

Some mothers do have 'em

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
Continence problems, that is. The theme for this year's Continence Awareness Campaign, which took place in September, was pregnancy, birth and continence - a subject that affects a big section of the population. As well as a new leaflet on the subject and local publicity campaigns, the awareness week included a public discussion on the subject led by Claire Rayner. Women who gave birth over the past fifty years talked about their experiences and the advice they received. "We have come a long way in terms of professional support and public awareness of help that is available", said Ian Holland of the Continence Foundation. "But there is still a lot more to be done, educating and informing both public and professionals". Laurel Salthouse, a member of In contact 's Executive Committee, took part in the discussion. "Many continence problems are caused in childbirth and we need to make sure everything is done to provide effective prevention and treatment. There is still a lot of research needed to find out the best ways of helping", she said.

News in brief

Sun, 31 Dec 2000 00:00:00 GMT
A big welcome to the newest member of In contact 's staff team, Cathy McKerrell. Cathy joins us to manage our new Support & Networks Project, funded by the National Lottery Charities Board. She will be working with consumers and continence services to develop local initiatives to provide support for people with continence problems. The project will look at setting up groups, local helplines, meetings or events - it's up to you'So if you're interested in discussing an idea you have, give Cathy a call at the In contact office. Having a hysterectomy makes it more likely that you will develop incontinence in later life, concludes a recent report in the Lancet. The report looked at 12 studies from around the world to see whether there was a link between having a hysterectomy (removal of the womb) and urinary incontinence. More new research from the Lancet reports that severe pain and faecal urgency have been found in a 'disturbingly' high proportion after stapled haemorrhoidectomy. Haemorrhoidectomy usually cures haemorroids, the report says, but patients take around 2 weeks to recover from the surgery. Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is a new operation which does not involve cutting into the anal canal - it should be less painful, with a shorter recovery time. But the research team at St Marks Hospital, Harrow, found problems that were not expected and concluded: 'the long-term complications after stapled haemorrhoidectomy far ourtweigh the short-term benefits". Warm Hearts Week aims to bring comfort to older people and older carers through those cold winter months. "There are 10 million people over 65 and many feel isolated, alone and unsupported" say Help the Aged, which is organising the week. The week takes place from 13^th to 19<

Spreading the message

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
Incontact's new advertising campaign to raise awareness about bladder and bowel problems has just begun. Featuring a set of specially commissioned cartoons, the advertisements are designed to remove some of the stigma that surrounds these conditions.Over the coming months the adverts will be appearing in the national press, bringing the message that'you are not alone' to a wider audience than ever before. The first of the series, featured in the Daily Express in July, produced a huge response. "I really didn't know there was any help available for my problem", said one of the callers.

Setting the Standards for Continence Care

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
A new initiative from the NHS Executive is seeking to make sure that all health services provide decent continence care. Incontact was asked by the NHSE to comment on the draft 'benchmarks', which will set the standards for clinics, health centres and hospital departments. Incontact has made sure that the benchmarks stress the importance of listening to service users. It is hoped that the benchmarks are to be published early next year. Judith Ellis, at the NHSE said: we really wanted to find out what users of continence services expect, and Incontact's input has been a great help."

Meet the Makers

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
Did you ever want to let a company know what you thought of its product. Well, you may have the chance later this year. Incontact will be hosting a special event to put people with continence problems in touch with the people who make products to help. The Meet the Makers event will take place on November 3rd, to coincide with Incontact's Annual General Meeting.This get-together follows on from our mini-conference last year, which brought together consumers and health professional under one roof, with the aim of promoting discussion and understanding. "We wanted to take forward the theme of 'working together, learning from eachother', and this time to involve the companies who a lot of consumers rely on" said Incontact Chairman, Sir Barry Brooks. Incontact's corporate supporters are excited by the idea too. Rachael Parker, Product Manager from AstraTech, manufacturers of LoFric catheters, thinks it is a great idea. "We really want to listen more to users of our products, and this event will be a great idea opportunity" she said.Anyone interested in coming should get in touch with the Incontact office - we may be able to provide help with travel expenses and there will be a £20 gift voucher for everyone who attends.

New Grants

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
King's Fund and Lottery Support for IncontactIncontact has been awarded a grant by the National Lottery Charities Board to help set up and support local groups around the country. The grant will be used to fund a full-time member of staff who will provide training and advice to local co-ordinators. The project will also produce information and publicity materials for local intitiatives. Another recently-announced grant from the King's Fund will allow us to set up user groups around London, with the aim of helping NHS continence services become more responsive to their users' needs.

News in Brief

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
The latest advance in mobile phones may be able to help locate the nearest toilet. The new telephones can connect up to the internet, where a special 'wap-site' has been set up with a map of the capital's loos. It's only a matter of time before you can use your mobile phone to locate a toilet anywhere in the UK, but people living outside London may still benefit from tips like "confidence is everything - if you look as though you have a right to use the toilet people will not stop you". Have a look at a flash presentation or the press release.A recent review in the Lancet asks talks about treatment of women with stress incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises are usually the first treatment tried, but what if these don't work? Surgery is often considered next, but which of the many operations is the most successful? The most recent information shows that bladder-neck suspensions (colposuspension) and slings have the highest success rate - one to two years after the operation over 80% of women are still continent. The best chance of success is from the first operation. The review notes, however, that these operations can cause problems which take some time to recover from. The review concludes that careful assessment of each individual should allow for a cure or a reduction in symptoms.A recent report from the Audit Commission reports "unacceptably low" standards in services that provide disability equipment are common. In many parts of the country there are long waiting times, unclear eligibility criteria and poor quality products. "All this threatens to undermine plans to promote independence in the community", says the commission's controller, Andrew Foster.The results of the first International Consultation on Incontinence are now available on the internet. The World Health Organisation arranged the consultation to bring together the best information available. A key recommendation was that incontinence should be identified as a sepa

Product News

Fri, 30 Jun 2000 00:00:00 GMT
A new company in the midlands is to produce custom-made cushion covers for people with continence problems. The idea has come from June Ravenscroft who did some research and found that lots of people were using plastic bags or bin liners to protect their furniture. "The covers we make work like shower caps and can be easily fitted over a cushion", said June. The Cut Covers Company is based in Leicester but will provide a mail order service to anywhere in the country. As a special introductory offer, Incontact has 10 free cushion covers to give away - just phone or write to us by the 31st August - the first 10 names out of the hat will receive their own custom made cushion cover. The Pipenette is a new portable urinal for women. It is designed to be used standing, so could be of value to people who have trouble bending down or getting to the loo on time. A travel kit is also available which includes a plastic bag containing a gel pad which turns urine into a liquid mass so preventing spillage. The Pipinette normally costs ?12 but Incontact readers pay just ?9.50 and the travel kit costs ?1.50 for three sets. Call 01539 536070 for more information. The Mini Potti is another portable urinal for use sitting or standing position. This one however is a disposable plastic pouch which contains a special ingredient that turns urine into a gel. Designed for use when out and about, the pouch can be folded to pocket-size until it is needed. The Mini Potti is for use by men, women and children. The cost is ?17.99 for a pack of 9 but Incontact readers get a ?1.50 discount till the end of September. Call 01524 732398 quoting reference 'Incontact'.A review of four brands of coated catheters, used for intermittent self-catheterisation, found that the main difference was sticking on removal. Although some stickiness was reported for all four brands, LoFric and Easicath were found to be less sticky than the other two brands Aquacath and Silky). The repo

Charter Mark Service

Fri, 31 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT
For the first time, a continence service has been awarded the government Charter Mark for excellence. The Continence Service of Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust was awarded the Charter Mark at the end of last year after a gruelling assessment process. Continence Advisor Barbara Irwin is convinced that local users played a big part in her successful bid for the award. "I think the assessors were impressed by the way we consult service users. The Flowline Support Group regularly comments on our services and suggests improvements."

British Medical Journal (BMJ) Research

Fri, 31 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT
New research reported in the BMJ shows that women who were given an episiotomy during childbirth were five times more likely to develop faecal continence problems. An episiotomy is a small surgical cut at the edge of the vagina. The operation has been thought to reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth, although the study's authors say that this is probably not the case. Even women who had 'natural' tearing during childbirth had less of a risk of developing faecal problems that those who had an episiotomy.

Pelvic-floor re-education

Fri, 31 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT
Other research reported in the Lancet looks at 'pelvic-floor re-education' in men who have had their prostates surgically removed (radical prostatectomy). Urinary incontinence is common after this operation, and the researchers aimed to find out if strengthening the pelvic floor muscles could help. Patients who were given pelvic floor exercises, bio-feedback and electrical stimulation had less continence problems 3 months after the prostatectomy. The authors recommend that pelvic floor re-education should be an important aspect of care after radical prostatectomy.

Childbirth and faecal incontinence

Fri, 31 Dec 1999 00:00:00 GMT
It has been known for some time that the main cause of faecal (bowel) incontinence in women is childbirth. A new report in the Lancet now says that having a second child can make things worse. The researchers followed 59 women through their first and second pregnancies. Almost a quarter of the women reported bowel problems after their first child. Five women became incontinent after their second child was born. The report recommends that all women be asked about their bowel habits after their first child. Women who are at risk of a worsening problem can be offered help before subsequent pregnancies.

New skin care product - Proderm

Fri, 31 Dec 1999 00:00:00 GMT
Proderm is a new skin care product that protects against rashes and sores that can be caused by continence problems. The makers say that it can be used to treat skin problems once they have occurred too. Proderm comes in a can a bit like shaving foam - when rubbed into the skin it is absorbed and forms a barrier against irritation, lasting up to six hours. It is available from Boots the Chemist for ?6.95 a can, but In contact members can get a special mail-order rate of ?5.95, including postage and packing. Telephone Zeon Healthcare on 01608 730805. In contact has 12 cans of Proderm to give away - just send us your name and address on a post card and the first 12 names out of a hat will receive one.

PromoCon - National library

Fri, 31 Dec 1999 00:00:00 GMT
PromoCon have been running a national 'library' of continence care products since 1996. They have now joined forces with Manchester-based Continence 2001, a programme that aims to educate people about bladder and bowel problems. The result is 'PromoCon 2001 - promoting continence and product awareness', who will continue to provide information and advice about products used for managing bladder and bowel problems. Their phone number is still 0161 834 2001.

Doctors and Incontinence

Fri, 31 Dec 1999 00:00:00 GMT
Hospital doctors are often not sure how to treat an unstable bladder. A recent survey by Geriatric Medicine magazine reported that while 80% of doctors say they felt confident about diagnosing an unstable bladder - a common cause of urgency and frequency - only 57% felt confident about treating the condition. The report concluded that more education for doctors could improve their knowledge about how to treat this common problem.

Continence Awareness Week 2008

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:26:33 GMT

National Continence Awareness Week 2009

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 14:14:28 GMT

Helpline Nurses Required

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:12:57 GMT

Bladder and Bowel Foundation News

Coping with incontinence - invitation to participate in an education project

Catheter Development Project - Invitation to participate

B&BF Annual Report & Accounts 08/09

Launch of new All Party Parliamentary Working Group on Continence Care

Launch of the Bladder and Bowel Foundation

Welcome to the Bladder and Bowel Website

BreakAway

New B&BF magazine

B&BF launch

Single UK charity to be created

Incontact press release - James Lind Alliance Working Partnership on Urinary Incontinence

Telling researchers what to research

24th Jan - Debate in House of Lords on the Department of Health's Part IX Drug Tariff Consultation on prescribable continence, urology and stoma products

Update on Part IX Drug Tariff Consultation on catheters, incontinence appliances and stoma appliances.

Happy Birthday Changing Places

Update on continence items listed in Part IX of the Drug Tariff, July 2007

Update on 3 consultations relating to Stoma and Incontinence applicances under Part IX of the Drug Tariff

INCONTACT STATEMENT ON NEW NICE GUIDANCE PUBLISHED TO HELP PEOPLE MANAGE DISTRESSING BOWEL PROBLEM

News for those who use prescribable continence, urology or stoma applicances

New clinical trial for prostate cancer

Please sign a petition to the Prime Minister about home delivery of continence products.

Can you comment on the NICE draft NHS guidance about closure of anorectal fistula using a suturable bioprosthetic plug?

Have you had treatment for vaginal prolapse?

Carol Thatcher speaks out on bladder weakness

New NICE guidelines for the care of women with urinary incontinence

New educational initiative gives public 'confidence in continence'

New North Cumbria Incontact support group

Press Release from the Department of Health - Involvement is power

Inadequate and incomplete ' continence care in the UK

Incontact Press Statement re. Little Britain incontinence sketch

Letter from our new Chairman

Celebrity launches new health campaign to raise awareness of stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

New leaflet from the Continence Foundation

National Service Framework for Older People ' an update

Stressful silence

Diverticular Disease

TVT guidelines

Incontact highly commended

New factsheets from the IBS Network

Special care products

National Continence Awareness Week 17-23 September

Incontact Conference 2001

Incontact Conference 2001 - Promoting Continence

And The Winner Is..........

VAT dropped from incontinence products.

Continence Care Awards 2001

Support Network Award Win ?500

Wetting yourself. It's no laughing matter.

Manifesto - What people said

Manifesto for continence

How to avoid the Christmas dash''for the toilet.

The NHS Wants You

Organising for Continence

New legacy programme from Incontact

Some mothers do have 'em

News in brief

Spreading the message

Setting the Standards for Continence Care

Meet the Makers

New Grants

News in Brief

Product News

Charter Mark Service

British Medical Journal (BMJ) Research

Pelvic-floor re-education

Childbirth and faecal incontinence

New skin care product - Proderm

PromoCon - National library

Doctors and Incontinence

Continence Awareness Week 2008

National Continence Awareness Week 2009

Helpline Nurses Required