Staff from Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) SPHERE (Supporting Pelvic Health though Empowerment, Rehabilitation and Education) Bladder and Bowel Service were out and about at health centres across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), as part of this year’s World Continence Week, 17 to 21 June.

After setting up and staffing information stands, staff explained to visitors about the work of NHSGGC’s SPHERE service, which is hosted by our HSCP. SPHERE staff provide a professional, caring, confidential and supportive approach to people with bladder and/or bowel symptoms.

SPHERE has specially trained teams across the city which promote continence by helping individuals to self-manage their symptoms and teaching behavioural and lifestyle changes that can promote bladder and bowel health.

These teams include specialist nurses and physiotherapists who can advise and support the person on improving their bladder and/or bowel symptoms or prevent any deterioration by facilitating and providing rehabilitative treatments.

Kirsteen Cameron, Service Manager, Glasgow City HSCP said: “We want to support people living with bladder, bowel and pelvic health issues, to enjoy a high quality of life, play an active role in society and have access to appropriate treatments. We hope that by raising awareness and understanding, we can remove the embarrassment and taboos that are often associated with these debilitating conditions which can have such a negative impact on the lives of patients, families and carers.

“Many people still believe incontinence is an inevitable part of aging and just try to put up with it. They don’t realise that by making simple lifestyle changes and/or seeking treatment can resolve an issue or at least make symptoms more manageable.”

SPHERE run clinics across NHSGGC. if you are concerned about issues relating to your or someone that you support’s continence speak first to your GP practice who can make a referral to the service if appropriate.

More information and self-help guides are available at SPHERE Bladder and Bowel Service - NHSGGC.