Health Bus visits The Birches

A Health Bus visited The Birches in Brigg, raising awareness of constipation and its risks for people with learning disabilities.

In June 2022, the NHS Community Team for Learning Disabilities in Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber hosted the ’Dying for a poo’ campaign on their Health Bus. The aim of the day was to educate individuals with a learning disability, their families and care providers on constipation and bowel health.

The CTLD explained how important it is for support workers to be aware that people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of having constipation as they may be unable to communicate this as well as various health conditions increasing the risk. Attendees agreed that they learned a great deal about bowel health and how to be aware of and recognise the signs and symptoms.

This local event is part of a wider NHS campaign to raise awareness and The Birches were delighted to play host for such an important issue. One of the learning tools for the campaign is the Bristol Stool Chart and the home were presented with a cake version for staff as thanks.