NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight is reviewing the provision of children’s continence provision across the system with the aim of having equitable system-wide provision that will assess, treat, and provide products for children and young people where appropriate.
The procurement process is taking longer than anticipated for a new system-wide service and we hope to advise on timescales shortly. We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work to secure the appropriate provider(s) across the system. We will keep you informed and share further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
For anyone requiring support and advice, please do reach out to the following information:
- Help for you - ERIC
- Constipation | Recent Illness or Concern | Healthier Together
- Child 1 - 4 Years
- Wee, Poo and You
- How to identify and treat childhood constipation
- Children's continence: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Health professionals may also find these guidelines useful:
- NHS National Primary Care Clinical Pathway for Constipation in Children
- Advice on Bladder and Bowel Problems in Children and Young People
What are continence containment products?
Continence containment products are primarily used when patients are suffering with unresolvable urinary or faecal issues. The products are usually absorbent pads that are worn inside underwear to absorb urine or faecal matter. The products include:
- Nappies
- Pads
- Pull up pants
- Washable products
- Products to help with urinary incontinence - NHS
Products are considered a medical device.
What does the clinical guidance tell us?
- There is no statutory requirement for the NHS to provide containment products.
- Children and young people who have an underlying medical reason for not being able to attain continence may be assessed for an appropriate containment product from their fifth birthday.
- Continence containment products will not be supplied before a child has reached their fifth birthday.
- All children and young people should be supported with a toilet training programme for a minimum of six months, prior to containment products being provided to them, unless this is inappropriate e.g. for children with a neuropathic bladder and bowel.
- The number of products issued per 24 hours is calculated by the healthcare professional. Typically, provision would not exceed four products per day. If the product provision is based on correct assessment and the product is used according to manufacturer’s instructions a maximum of four per day should meet containment needs. This is because the products are highly absorbent and do not need changing until they reach capacity or are soiled.
- Containment products will not be supplied for treatable medical conditions, such as bedwetting, constipation, or soiling