New web site improves continence information

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PDF printable versionNew web site improves continence information (PDF 23 KB)

24 November 2006

SAN102/06

Almost 4 million Australians affected by incontinence will be able to access valuable information and advice from a new web site launched today by the Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro.

Launching the site at the Australian Association of Gerontology’s 39th National Conference, Senator Santoro said incontinence was an important health issue that impacted on 3.8 million people nationwide.

Senator Santoro said the www.bladderbowel.gov.au web site would promote bladder and bowel health, and also provide information on continence health promotion, early intervention and support for consumers, their families and carers, as well as health professionals, service providers and researchers.

Funding for the site has been made available from an additional $18.2 million provided by the Howard Government in this year’s budget for the National Continence Management Strategy.

“This funding is in addition to the existing $31 million originally allocated for the strategy from 1998 to 2006 to raise awareness of incontinence, and to help health professionals and members of the public to better deal with the condition,” he said.

“Incontinence has physical, social and economic ramifications for women and men of all ages, for carers, and for the community as a whole.

“Experts estimate that about 3.8 million Australians have some degree of incontinence, and more than half a million of these are affected by severe incontinence, so it is imperative that resources and information are available to assist those affected.

“This initiative will help Australia retain its place as a world leader in continence management.”

Senator Santoro also announced the release of the National Continence Management Strategy Phase Three Action Plan 2006–2010, which provides a forward plan about ways to improve the treatment and management of incontinence, and help people to live full, active lives in their communities.

Media contact: Malcolm Cole - 0408 612 603