By MacGregor Healthcare
In a recent survey by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), 72% of respondents with spinal cord injury (SCI) faced challenges with bowel management.* Poor bowel care for these patients can impact their mental health and quality of life.
To address this issue, SIA launched its new major campaign, ‘This is #SeriousSh1t’, supported by nurses, carers, charities, and politicians. ‘The campaign aims to stop the harmful neglect of SCI patients denied essential bowel care in medical settings.’
A lack of policy and training around bowel care for healthcare professionals has resulted in widespread care failure across NHS trusts in England. SIA calls for action to ensure healthcare professionals have a fully implemented bowel care policy and training where necessary.
The Royal College of Nursing supports the campaign, stating that ‘no patient should suffer both the physical and mental consequences of poor bowel care.’ SIA’s campaigns manager, Dave Bracher, recognises that change won’t happen overnight but is committed to campaigning ‘until an end to this needless suffering is seen’.
Learn more: https://www.spinal.co.uk/campaigns/our-campaigns/this-is-serioussh1t/
* https://www.spinal.co.uk/campaigns/our-campaigns/this-is-serioussh1t/ (Accessed 18 April 2023)
