Over the past year, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight have undertaken a full review of NHS continence services for children and young people. This review has highlighted opportunities to align and enhance services, to ensure all children and young people have equitable access to the support they need.
As part of the necessary changes, we are bringing our prescribing of continence containment products in-line with best practice guidelines from Bladder & Bowel UK.
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
How may this effect you?
If your child has been receiving more than 4 products within 24 hours this will be phased out from 31 January 2025.
This guidance is based on the recommendations from Bladder & Bowel UK.
Where can I find more information and support?
- Healthier Together
- Children's Toileting
- Guidance for the provision of continence containment products to children and young people
- Guidance for the provision of absorbent products for adult incontinence
Please contact hiowicb-hsi.patientexperience@nhs.net if you have any concerns or complaints.