THE Paediatric Continence Service in Halton is backing this year’s World Bedwetting Day on Tuesday.

The service, run by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, helps  children with bladder and bowel conditions.

The team received a British Journal of Nursing award for urology and continence in March for its innovative work to help diagnose and treat children with bladder problems outside of hospital, the first community based team in the country to do so.

Following the success of this pioneering project, the team has set up a help and information guide for other urology and continence professionals across the country.

Sheena Kennedy, paediatric nurse pecialist at Bridgewater said: “There are more than 500 children and young people aged between five and 19 in Widnes, Runcorn and St Helens who suffer with bedwetting and over 1,000 suffering with some sort of bowel or bladder issue. However there could be many more.

“Our team will be handing out leaflets and posters encouraging families to seek help and discuss the condition with their GP or school nurse without feeling embarrassed or anxious.

“We want to promote the message that it’s not the child’s fault and if you don’t seek help then it could have a serious impact on their self-esteem and confidence affecting their school and social life.”

If you have a Widnes or Runcorn GP and your child is over five years old, a parent or carer with parental responsibility can directly refer to the service.

Alternatively seek advice from your GP or school nurse.

Find out more about the Paediatric Continence Service in Halton and St Helens by visiting Visit bridgewater.nhs.uk/haltonsthelens/paediatriccontinenceservice/ for more details.