National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP is working with charities to help raise awareness of bladder and bowel problems during Continence Week.

Around 14 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from some form of bladder condition and 6.5 million from a bowel condition.

Continence Week, which runs from 19th-23rd June, aims to help break down the stigma often attached to these conditions, and promote discussion around patient access to primary care and best practice between clinicians.  

Clarke Willmott is working with two charities during Continence Week: 

• Bladder & Bowel UK, www.bbuk.org.uk, which offers training and a confidential helpline for sufferers.

• The MASIC Foundation, www.masic.org.uk, which supports women who have suffered injuries during childbirth

Kerry Fifield, partner and manager of the clinical negligence team at Clarke Willmott, has over 20 years of experience in helping with complex clinical negligence claims and helps clients with claims arising from injuries at birth, during childbirth and kidney damage as a result of delays in diagnosis.

She said: “This week we have been taking part in World Continence Week and using our platform to help break the stigma about bladder and bowel issues. These are very common but are rarely talked about and can affect anyone, at any time.”

Chloe Oliver, CEO of The Masic Foundation, added: “We see first-hand the lifelong emotional and physical impact that bowel and bladder incontinence caused by birth injury can have on women who often suffer in silence due to societal stigma and shame.

“Much more needs to be done to talk about and raise awareness of this ‘taboo’ issue and begin to make it easier for women to come forward and seek help.”

Karen Irwin, service manager and specialist nurse at Bladder and Bowel UK said: “In many cases, bladder and bowel problems can be cured or managed. In some instances, a bladder or bowel problem may be caused through negligence, and making the decision to take legal action and choosing the right legal firm can be a daunting experience.

“Bladder & Bowel UK only works with trusted clinical negligence and injury specialists who have expert knowledge of bladder and bowel care. Our legal panel including Clarke Willmott is available online at www.bbuk.org.uk/bladder-bowel-uk-legal-advisory-panel.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton, and Taunton.

For further information visit www.clarkewillmott.com.