How to access continence products

Details of who is eligible for continence products and how to access products.

Children and young people aged 5 to 18 can be referred to the service by professionals and family. 

Email continenceproducts@suffolk.gov.uk to make a referral.

If you live in Lowestoft and Waveney, you need to be referred to your local service that covers this area.

Products are not provided before the child/young persons 5th birthday.

Referral process for professionals

To make a referral to the continence product service please email the team giving an outline of need and where possible complete a continence promotion assessment to submit with the email. If you require guidance or further information on the process please contact the team:

Referral process for parents

To make a referral to the continence product service please email the team giving an outline of need. If you require guidance or further information on the process please contact the team.

Funding is provided by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support continence product provision. The funding is provided as a contribution to the young person’s daily requirement, families may need to purchase additional products to fully meet needs. If eligible to receive products there will be an offer of up to 4 products per day.

Containment products will not be supplied before a child has reached their fifth birthday and then only following a continence assessment using agreed assessment tools and, where appropriate, a trial of toilet training for at least three months.

All children and young people must be supported with a toilet training programme for at least three months prior to providing containment products unless it is clear that this is inappropriate e.g. in children with a neuropathic bladder and/or bowel. Appropriate support and interventions will be offered to support progress.

Containment products will not be supplied for treated medical conditions such as nocturnal enuresis, constipation with overflow (soiling).

Containment products will not be supplied where a child or young person has achieved urinary continence but refuses to open their bowels on the toilet. Appropriate support should be offered in these circumstances.