Help Improve Stoma, Bowel, Transanal Irrigation & Catheter Care 

NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) invites people with a stoma, those using Transanal Irrigation (TAI) or catheter products, and their carers to share their views on stoma, bowel, and catheter care across Lincolnshire.

Your feedback will help us understand what works well, what needs improving, and how services can better meet people’s needs.

A stoma is a surgical opening on the skin that allows waste to leave the body into a bag. People rely on these bags and related products every day. TAI uses water to flush the lower bowel and helps people with chronic constipation or faecal incontinence. A catheter is a thin, flexible tube that drains urine from the bladder. People use different catheters and accessories depending on their condition, comfort, and lifestyle.

The survey includes sections on stoma care, TAI, and catheter care. Please complete the parts that apply to you.

Why we are doing this

Stoma, TAI, and catheter products are prescribed and collected from community pharmacies or dispensing GP practices. They can also be delivered to your home by a Direct Appliance Contractor (DAC). As the local Integrated Care Board, we plan and fund NHS services. We are reviewing how these products and services are provided across Lincolnshire and would value your input.

We want patients to receive the most suitable products, reduce waste, and improve how services work. The NHS spends a large amount each year on these products in Primary Care, and costs continue to rise.

We are looking at ways to:

• Make prescribing more consistent, using guidance developed with specialist nurses.
• Ensure patients receive support from the right professionals at the right time.
• Improve patient experience, product use, and self-care.

We are also considering a new service to manage appliance prescriptions more effectively across the county.

Your views are essential. They help us understand what works, what doesn’t, and how any changes might affect you. We want decisions to reflect the experiences of people who use these services.

If you would prefer to speak to a member of our team, need help completing the survey, require an alternative format or another language, or need an interpreter, please contact the Engagement Team by email at licb.involveus@nhs.net or by phone on 07814 939 396.

‘Let’s talk’ health and wellbeing Lincolnshire.