Derriford 'BABEs' launch support group

A support group for people with bladder and bowel problems is being launched by Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust staff in November.

The first BABE (Bladder and Bowel Event) is due to take place at the Future Inn, Derriford, on November 16th from 9.30am until noon.

Kirsty White, Uro-Gynae Specialist Practitioner, said: “This will be a place where people suffering from these problems can meet informally and talk about whether their condition affects them emotionally or they just want to meet others who have had similar experiences.”

Experts from Derriford Hospital will be on hand to offer advice including diet and lifestyle changes.

Ann Cornelius, Pelvic Floor Nurse, Colorectal services said: “We will be aiming to give people practical advice for helping to manage issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, bladder frequency and urgency.

“Often people cannot talk to other people about the problem because they are embarrassed. But sometimes some very simple advice can help alleviate symptoms which are causing significant upset to the individual concerned.

“Many people are unaware of the impact that what they eat and drink has on their  bladder and bowel, therefore with a little help and advice from us, we can help people to take control of their symptoms’’.

Anyone who is interested in joining the group can email gbvdt@coloplast.com or call 07810057673.