THE Manifesto for Continence has just been launched by a group of 18 patient and carers organisations led by Incontact, among them Counsel and Care for the Elderly. Alzheimer's Society, Age Concern, Help the Aged and the MS Society.
Its purpose is to improve life for the the estimated six million people in this country who suffer from incontinence, usually silently and without seeking help, because of the perceived shame involved. These people need to know that there is a lot that can be done to help.
The Manifesto for Continence formed the largest ever patient consultation of its kind in the UK. Some 150,000 people who live with continence problems were asked to state the most important changes that would help them in every day life.
The top issue was the need for more public toilets. Others were better treatments, more information on the condition and availability of treatments, increased public awareness and understanding, better training and more sympathetic attitude of NHS staff, and more support services.
The organisers stress the fact that, in particular, the decline in decent public toilet provision needs to be reversed. All of us at one time or another must have been caught short. The Manifesto is the beginning of core campaigning to realise the demands of those involved in the consultation. If you would like a copy of the manifesto or more information, please write to Incontact, United House, North Road, London, N7 9DP.
Martin Green
Chief Executive
Counsel and Care
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article