Experts claim improved incontinence care could alleviate NHS bed blocking crisis
Share this @internewscast.com

UK medical professionals have warned that substandard incontinence care is exacerbating the NHS bed blocking crisis. A survey of 500 healthcare workers who look after patients with incontinence revealed that many believe hospital beds are being occupied by individuals who could be discharged sooner if they received better advice and supplies.

The majority of experts surveyed by hygiene and health firm Essity, stated that there are patients being admitted to hospitals or care facilities due to previous mishandling of their incontinence-related conditions. Furthermore, a quarter of these professionals believe this mismanagement can result in delayed patient discharge.

An Essity spokesperson has stated that the current high bed occupancy rates, consistently above 95%, could be significantly reduced if the government were to expedite a new policy announced by Lord Philip Hunt, a member of the House of Lords, in May 2024.

The policy prioritises patient experience and outcomes over cost. However, the implementation of this policy has been delayed for several months.

Mr. Mark Stott, consultant urologist, believes a number of beds could be released earlier, if patients received a tailored programme of care, along with better quality incontinence products.

He said: “We know a good continence care plan can contribute to patients getting home more quickly; it is that package of care which allows them to become independent again, and which speeds up their recovery.

“Early supported discharge, with a tailored plan – which takes into account the patient’s individual needs, the reason for their incontinence, their physical and mental ability – can prevent help to reduce length of stay, relapses and readmittances.”

The majority of professionals believe the new policy, once implemented, will allow patients to lead more dignified lives, with 53% predicting it will enhance the quality of care provided by the NHS.

Additionally, four out of 10 anticipate improvements in both the mental and physical health of patients. Furthermore, over a third believe it could prevent such admissions in the first place.

They also highlighted that urinary tract infections could be handled more effectively. Social care, pressure ulcers and improved care for mental and physical health were also listed as areas that could be better managed for patients suffering from incontinence.

Richard Maddison, spokesperson for Essity, stated: “It’s clear when you speak to healthcare professionals that the way in which the NHS procures medical products has to change.

“Choosing the cheapest product believing it will save money is a huge false economy that not only ends up costing the health service more in the long run, but it completely disregards the negative knock-on effects such as unnecessary admissions, bed blocking, patient dignity, and ultimately the outcome for the patient.

“The current approach to procurement has a hugely detrimental impact on patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. The answer is not more money for the NHS, the answer is a smarter way to spend the money it has now.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New Study Unveils Unexpected Diseases Among Napoleon’s Troops During Ill-Fated Russian Retreat

In October 1812, when Napoleon commanded his troops to retreat from Russia,…

Spot This Unexpected Symptom of the Latest Covid Variant Instantly

Feeling a bit under the weather? There’s a chance it might be…

How a Break-Up Transformed My Life: From Size 22 to Size 6

A remarkable transformation story has emerged as a woman from Essex reveals…

Gayle King Reveals Her Remarkable Weight Loss Journey Amidst Her Rise in Influential Circles

Gayle King is turning heads with her remarkable appearance, as she continues…

Revolutionary Robotic Surgery: Hospital Achieves Record 12 Prostate Operations in One Day Amid Rising NHS Wait Times

In a remarkable stride towards alleviating the protracted NHS waiting lists, a…

Crucial Alert: High Street Vitamin Brands Found with Unsafe Levels – Up to 12 Times Over the Limit!

In a startling revelation, an investigation has uncovered that some popular supplements…

Surge in Weight Loss Injections Leads to Increased Demand for Skin Tightening Treatments Among Britons

The UK’s non-surgical beauty industry is experiencing a significant surge in business,…

Plus-Size Traveler Advocates Against Purchasing Extra Plane Seats, Citing It as Unnecessary Expense

A woman who embraces her plus-sized identity has shared why she opts…

Nutritionist Shares 10 Effective Strategies for Maintaining Weight Loss After Achieving Your Goal with Fat Injections

Medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can effectively initiate weight loss, but what…

Top Nutritionist Reveals Healthiest Cooking Oils and Tips for Incorporating Them into Your Meals

Oil has become a contentious topic in Britain’s culinary landscape, sparking heated…

Halloween Shoppers Alerted: Avoid This One Mistake to Protect Your Eyesight

What began as a playful Halloween endeavor nearly turned into a harrowing…

Urgent Recall: Ineffective Statins Impacting 40 Million Americans – What You Need to Know

Over 140,000 bottles of the most commonly prescribed medication in the United…