UK Report Calls for Urgent Reform of Continence Care Amid NHS Transformation

The UK-wide report highlights significant challenges in continence care as NHS reforms accelerate. Published by multiple health organizations, it draws on experiences of 14 million people living with continence conditions in the UK. Findings show limited patient involvement in decisions, restricted product choice, and a lack of regular clinical review for many users. Most respondents reported that continence problems affect independence, confidence, travel, work, and social participation, with emotional impacts such as anxiety and embarrassment. It also notes systemic costs, including UTIs linked to inadequate care, estimated to cost the NHS £604 million annually. Against the backdrop of wider NHS transformation and procurement reform, the report calls for more personalised, preventative, and community-based continence services. It emphasizes shared decision-making, regular reassessment, and investment in workforce capacity and specialist expertise to improve long-term patient outcomes. Overall, it concludes continence care tailored to individual needs, protecting dignity, independence and quality of life.