Resources

Constipation is not much talked about, but it affects one in three children and will not go away by itself. ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to children’s continence services. It provides online resources on all things wee and poo, webinars for healthcare professionals and parents/carers, and a free Helpline — on which the most common call is about constipation. Here, Sunni Liston, ERIC nurse, discusses constipation and how to help treat it.

As usual, there is an abundance of learning, information and differing points of view in our latest issue of the journal, so lots of reading for everyone — hopefully while sitting outside in the warmer weather! Our ‘Community matters’ piece explores the need for open and honest discussions in relation to death and dying.

It’s a commonly quoted maxim that there are only two certainties in life — death and taxes. But while most of us have little control over the money the government rudely deducts from our wages, it is human nature to consider what might happen when our time on earth is finally up. Some of us might have already made a list of the favourite relatives we’d invite to our funeral or thought about the uplifting music we might play. Others might have considered a traditional burial or want their ashes scattered in a cherished beauty spot.

In recent years, numerous GP practices and community healthcare providers have made substantial investments in automated ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) machines with 1,000+ now in use (manufacturers’ sales data). However, following the release of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on automated ABPI on 24 May, 2023, practitioners have faced individual decisions regarding the continued use of these devices.

Do you make decisions on which compression system to use? Are you involved in selecting and measuring for compression?

Selecting the correct type and size of compression can be time-consuming and confusing. The L&R Compression Selector app aims to support clinicians by simplifying the process. It can quickly and effectively suggest options from the L&R compression range that would be suitable for patient’s needs. Whether that is ReadyWrap® adjustable wrap system, Activa®, ActiLymph®, Adore compression hosiery, or the L&R leg ulcer hosiery kit, the app can support you.

At NHS Charities Together, we want everyone in the UK to experience the best healthcare possible.

Right now, the NHS is facing immense challenges. Pressures continue to grow, NHS resources are stretched, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is still starkly felt and budgets are squeezed so only the crucial elements of care are delivered. Patients’ needs are changing — the population is growing and more people are living longer, often with more or multiple long-term conditions. We depend more on technology. Staff must be properly supported to provide a positive, personal experience to patients.

In primary care settings, patients often present with a myriad of bowel symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening conditions. It can be challenging to discern between serious life-threatening conditions like cancer and benign issues such as haemorrhoids.