Agenda item

-        Councillor Dalton to report

Consideration was given to a report presented by Councillor Dalton which set out the findings and recommendations of the above Scrutiny Review.

The 3 main aims of the Review had been:-

·                Ascertain the prevalence of urinary incontinence in the Borough and the impact it has on people’s independence and quality of life

·                Establish an overview of current continence services and costs and plans for future service development

·                Identify any areas for improvement in promoting preventative measures and encouraging people to have healthy lifestyles

A spotlight review was carried out and evidence gathering began in May, 2014, concluding in July, 2014.  It had comprised of desk top research and a round table discussion with health partners and the Council’s Sport and Leisure Team.

Members recognised the good services provided by the award winning Community Continence Service (CCS) and that the Rotherham CCG had been unique in reducing expenditure on continence products in the last 5 years yet delivering improved outcomes for Service users.  The CCS engaged in preventative work and plans for future Service development included greater focus on this particular area.  One workstream would be to consider developing an integrated continence care pathway with a single point of access.

General awareness raising with both the public and health and care professionals was needed to emphasise the importance of good bladder and bowel health and how healthy lifestyles choices could help to prevent incontinence.  Pelvic floor muscle training had been proved to relief symptoms and may reduce the risk of developing stress incontinence.  More people could be encouraged to do the exercises as a preventative measures and there was scope to consider if they could be incorporated more widely within sports and fitness activities.

The review had made 6 recommendations:-

1.     RMBC and partner agencies should ensure all public toilets in the Borough are clean and well equipped to meet the needs of people who have urinary incontinence, including suitable bins for the disposal of equipment and disposable products.

2.     Greater links should be established between the Community Continence Service and Rotherham MBC Sport and Leisure Team to support people to participate in appropriate sport and physical activity.

3.     Rotherham MBC and other sport and leisure activity providers should consider building more pelvic floor exercises into the Active Always programme and wider leisure classes.

4.     There should be greater publicity by partner agencies to raise public and provider awareness of:-

(a)         The importance of maintaining good bladder and bowel health and habits at all life stages (through media such as screens in leisure centres and GP surgeries, further website development, VAR ebulletin and a campaign during World Continence Week from 22-28 June 2015)

(b)         Healthy lifestyle choices having a positive impact on general health but also helping to prevent incontinence such as diet, fluid intake and being active

(c)         The positive benefits of pelvic floor exercises as a preventative measure for urinary incontinence, including the use of phone apps for support

5.     More work should take place with care homes to encourage staff to participate in the training offered by the Community Continence Service and to increase staff understanding of the impact of mobility, diet and fluid intake on continence

6.     That the Health Select Commission receives a report in 2015 on the outcomes of the project considering future service development of the Community Continence Service.

The Review Group and Scrutiny Officer were thanked for their work on this issue.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the findings and recommendations of the report be endorsed.

(2)  That the report be forwarded to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and Cabinet.