Thousands of people in Bath and North East Somerset are believed to be suffering in silence from treatable conditions because they are too embarrassed to seek help.

But now a team of specialists from Sirona Care and Health have launched a new easily accessible service where people with bladder and bowel problems can get the life-changing advice and support they need to take control of their conditions.

The Bladder and Bowel Service – or BABS – is led by nursing and health specialists and offers twice-weekly clinics at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath, Paulton Memorial Hospital and Keynsham Health Centre. There is also a monthly consultant-led bowel clinic at St Martin’s Hospital.

It is estimated that around 8,000 men and as many as 23,000 women in B&NES have bladder problems, while between one and 10% of adults could have faecal incontinence.

While many of these sufferers might be putting off asking for help, it is estimated that around 80% of continence problems are treatable.

Sirona’s BABS nurse specialists, led by lead nurse, Jenny Tibbs, offer diagnostic services such as assessments, urine testing and bladder scanning, as well as a wealth of support and expertise.

Jenny said the BABS team aim to treat over 1,000 people a year and added: “Bladder and bowel problems are greatly under-reported due to embarrassment and the reluctance to talk about the problem. You don’t have to be incontinent to seek help.

“Bladder and bowel problems can greatly affect people’s lives, with having to always know where the nearest toilet is but 80% of problems are treatable and the treatment can really help change lives.

“We are passionate about what we do as we see how interventions and advice can make such a difference.”

The team can offer advice on lifestyle guidance, including coping strategies, diet and smoking, teaching bladder training, pelvic exercises, medication treatments designed to help improve bladder and bowel control and guidance on what continence products are available.

People can self refer to BABS or be referred by their GP, other healthcare professional or by a carer or relative. Those with more complex issues can be referred to consultant-led clinics at Bath’s Royal United Hospital after being assessed by the BABS team.

For more information or to book an appointment at one of the clinics, contact Sirona’s Bladder and Bowel Service at St Martin’s Hospital on: 01225 831766 or email: [email protected].