Affiliation:
1. Bladder and bowel nurse specialist
Abstract
This article discusses the life-changing consequences regarding bowel function for patients with a spinal cord injury. In the UK, around 2500 people are newly injured each year (one every 4hours) ( Spinal Injury Association, 2023a ). Only one third of patients will gain access to a specialist spinal centre – there are 11 such centres in the UK. The Spinal Injury Association has launched their ‘This is #SeriousSh1t’ campaign to highlight the lack of continuity of bowel care for these patients on hospital admission. In the What Matters campaign ( Spinal Injury Association, 2023b ), bowel management was identified by 72% of respondents as their biggest medical worry.
Subject
Neurology (clinical),General Nursing