The Spinal Injuries Association and Hudgell Solicitors are advocating for a parliamentary inquiry into inadequate bowel care for spinal injury patients.
- Patients with spinal cord injuries face humiliation and health risks due to poor bowel care in healthcare settings.
- A recent parliamentary meeting highlighted the gravity of the issue, with over 30 representatives discussing potential solutions.
- Campaigns for a national bowel care policy are gaining traction, aiming to standardise care across the NHS.
- Personal accounts reveal the severe impact on dignity and health, underscoring the urgency for immediate action.
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and Hudgell Solicitors are actively advocating for a parliamentary inquiry into the alarming state of bowel care for patients with spinal cord injuries. This initiative seeks to address the inadequacies that have left many patients feeling humiliated and at risk within healthcare environments.
During a recent parliamentary roundtable, attended by over 30 NHS representatives, MPs, and stakeholders from the spinal cord injury sector, the severity of the issue was openly discussed. Testimonies highlighted cases where patients could not use the toilet for days, leading to further physical and psychological distress.
The SIA has launched the ‘This is #SeriousSh1t’ campaign, calling for a consistent bowel care policy across all NHS providers. Campaigns manager, Dharshana Sridhar, emphasised the disparities in care across different regions, describing it as a ‘postcode lottery’. The campaign aims to ensure that training and resources are adequately distributed to improve care standards.
Elizabeth Maliakal, a solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, voiced the firm’s strong support for the inquiry. Maliakal pointed out that numerous legal cases have demonstrated the dire consequences of insufficient bowel care, affecting not only spinal injury patients but also the elderly and those recovering from abdominal surgery. This lack of care not only impacts patients’ dignity but also leads to extended hospital stays and increased legal costs.
SIA ambassador Jonathan Goodwin, who has personally experienced inadequate care, has used social media to raise awareness. His statement, “Without the correct care you are essentially filling up with poop and it is no laughing matter,” starkly illustrates the potential for life-threatening conditions if the issue remains unaddressed. Personal experiences shared publicly depict an ongoing struggle for proper care, leaving individuals feeling terrified and humiliated.
The urgent need for a parliamentary inquiry is evident, promising to drive the necessary reforms in bowel care for vulnerable patients.
