Incontact, a leading incontinence charity, have responded to Lord Darzi’s 12-month review of the NHS.
The review promises:

* Easy-to-access services that meet your individual needs, connected together so they make sense
* Seeing a doctor where and when you need it and keeping your local GP
* Helping you lead a full and healthy life
* More control of your health condition and support to plan, understand and manage your health

Some of Incontact’s concerns are:

The review states, “local people, health services and health professionals will be able to decide what works best in each area.” It is vital that people with bladder and /or bowel dysfunction speak out to make their voice heard. Speaking out is difficult for those with badly managed incontinence. The health inequality that many people with continence problems face must be addressed.

Incontact is however concerned that there is no mention of them having specialist knowledge. Currently many people with continence problems are denied access to a specialist continence advisor. This has led to many peoples’ leakage simply being contained and not treated or managed appropriately. New health technology is of limited value if the people who would benefit most are not made aware of the advances that have been made.

“The Draft NHS Constitution”, “NHS Next Stage Review” and related documents including “Our vision for primary and community care:- What it means for patients and the public” can be found at www.dh.gov.uk and Incontact’s response here.