About our service

In the UK about one in 12 children and young people have suffered from a bladder or bowel problem (ERIC 2010). This can sometimes be referred to as a continence or incontinence problem. It includes day and/or night-time wetting, as well as constipation and soiling.

Bladder and bowel problems can affect boys and girls of any age. Children and young people can suffer from long or short-term problems, which can cause distress and embarrassment.

However, there are many different treatments and options available that can enable you to manage the problem.

Please note, we are not an emergency service. If you are concerned or need urgent advice, please phone NHS 111 or see your GP.

Who are we?

We are a team of qualified and experienced nurses trained in caring for children with bladder and bowel dysfunction. We have a special interest in helping children and young people become confident in managing their bladder and bowel difficulties.

This is achieved through seeing children and young people with their families, initially in an outpatient clinic in your local area, to assess the bladder and bowel problem. At this appointment we can give information and advice that may help to improve matters, as well as organising any further tests or referrals, if necessary.

After this, we offer follow-up appointments to monitor progress. In addition, we offer family support and are able to give phone advice.

Am I able to use the service?

The following criteria apply:

• Daytime wetting – with or without urgency or frequency; must be more than three episodes a week for more than three consecutive months.
• Bowel dysfunction constipation or soiling occurs weekly for more than three consecutive months.

Initially children with daytime wetting or bowel dysfunction should see their GP and have support from the health visitor or school nurse. They will offer a basic assessment and advice before they refer you to our service.

For night-time bed wetting, please contact the School Health Service. You can find out more at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/schoolhealth

If you need continence products, such as nappies or pads, your child will need an assessment first. Please contact:

• health visitor for pre-school children
• school nurse for school aged children
• Children’s Community Nursing Service for children already using this service or for children with additional health needs.

Support for children requiring intermittent catheterisation

Children requiring immediate support for intermittent catheterisation indwelling or supra pubic catheters can be initially supported by children’s community nurses who can organise dressings and equipment, if appropriate.

The team can also signpost you to other services for advice and support, where appropriate.

How do I access the service?

We accept written referrals from GPs, health visitors, school nurses and other healthcare professionals for families living and registered with a GP in east Kent.

References and useful websites

• Educational Resource for Improving Childhood Continence (2010) | www.eric.org.uk
• www.childhoodconstipation.com
• www.disabledliving.co.uk/promocon