ABSTRACT
Elimination of urine and faeces is an essential bodily function that we usually become independent in within the first few years of life, continence being an important milestone in a child’s development (Slater-Smith 2010). Elimination is then usually a private function, but disability or physical or mental health problems often affect independence in elimination, and nurses then play an important role in preventing problems and maintaining comfort. Wherever possible, the aim will be to return to independent elimination, although some people will need ongoing support with elimination, particularly where long-term, progressive conditions affect elimination. Promoting dignity and privacy is integral to meeting people’s elimination needs; it requires great skill and sensitivity to carry out this care while preserving the individuals’ self-esteem. Many other chapters in this book are relevant to care related to elimination, particularly Chapter 2, which focuses on communication, and Chapter 12, which focuses on preventing cross-infection. The Department of Health’s (DH 2010) Essence of Care Benchmarks includes benchmarks for ’bladder, bowel and continence care’, which are recommended as a resource
