Incontinence in the Home (Hansard, 9 July 1974)

§ Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will consider the importance of short study courses for in-service staff for disseminating new or existing facilities and obtaining feedback of information on the needs for and use of such services;

(2) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will consider distributing a circular regarding the usefulness of odour-controlling agents; and if she will make a statement;

(3) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will consider what help can be given to district nurses who are often involved 421W in advising and helping people suffering from incontinence regarding the most convenient methods of supplying and fitting the appropriate aids and appliances; and if she will make a statement;

(4) if, in the light of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will undertake a reappraisal of the provision of laundry services, particularly the provision of linen, stimulate research and the search for a reliable and acceptable urinary appliance for women, and ensure provision by local authorities of a variety rather than a few styles of protective pants and padding to suit the differing needs of individuals;

(5) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will make further efforts to improve the continuity of care for patients discharged from hospital, especially those who, though physically able to help themselves, would benefit from the advice and support of district nurse or health visitors;

(6) if, in the light of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will take steps to provide support and adequate periodic relief for relatives of incontinent people, particularly those caring for a person with severe mental impairment or a person with a long-term progressive illness;

(7) if, in the light of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, her Department will make a greater effort to inform the public that incontinence can be successfully treated especially at an early stage and that a variety of services, equipment and personnel are available to help those awaiting treatment or for whom treatment has not been successful;

(8) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will publicise information about the less well-known but useful services and items of equipment for people suffering from incontinence;

(9) if, in view of the Disabled Living Foundation survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will take steps to bring this report to the attention of professional groups involved in this problem; and it she will make a statement;

(10) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the 422W Home, she will review the arrangements for fitting individual urinary appliances in the home; and if she will make a statement;

(11) if, in view of the DLF Survey on Management of Incontinence in the Home, she will review the situation for the collection for destruction of soiled disposable products as used by incontinent or colostomy patients in their own homes.