How continence care is improving in North Yorkshire

What people told Healthwatch

People spoke about the everyday impact of bladder, bowel and stoma needs and how difficult it could be to find the right support. Some felt embarrassed asking for help. Others struggled to get clear information or suitable products. Parents also described long waits and uncertainty when trying to support their children.

These experiences highlighted the need for earlier conversations, clearer advice and more consistent continence care across local services.

What has changed

Local hospitals are placing a stronger focus on continence care. Staff are carrying out earlier continence checks, offering better support for people with stoma care needs and strengthening training for hospital teams. GP practices are beginning to raise continence more proactively, and some are trialling new assessments during routine appointments. Community continence teams in Craven and Selby have expanded, and there is now a wider mix of local support, advice and product guidance available.

Families are also seeing new information and support for children and young people, including integrated workshops in York and updated online resources across Humber and North Yorkshire. In social care, staff in care homes and domiciliary services are receiving training to help them recognise continence needs sooner.

Services are sharing clearer public information, including leaflets, posters and online guidance, and people are being signposted to local peer led groups for further support.

Why this matters

Continence issues are common but often hidden. When people do not receive clear advice or timely support, the impact on their confidence and daily life can be significant. The progress made over the past two years shows how people’s experiences can help improve dignity and make support easier to access.

What still needs to improve

Although there has been progress, people continue to tell Healthwatch that more work is needed. General practice needs to raise continence more routinely, and families and older people are still facing long waits for support. Services across the county need consistent standards and clearer referral routes.

Access to public toilets remains a major concern for many people and continence poverty continues to affect those struggling to afford essential products. Local peer support groups also need strengthening, including the return of in person stoma and continence groups where possible.

It is also positive to see wider improvements in accessible and changing places toilets across North Yorkshire, which will make a real difference for people who need safe, suitable facilities when out and about.