Nurses' video tackles childhood constipation

A senior paediatric sister and a support worker star as the Poo Nurses in a video about childhood constipation.

Sandra Hanson and Helen Ripper work in the childhood constipation service at Darent Valley Hospital, run by the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Kent.

Laxative advice

In the video, the pair – who were given their nicknames by patients – are seen discussing constipation. They explain how the Bristol Stool Chart is a useful guide for how large a child's laxative dose should be.

The film was produced in response to an increase in the number of parents seeking help to manage their children’s constipation.

Acute referrals

Ms Hanson said: ‘Chronic constipation is something we’re seeing far too often in our hospital clinics these days. It is something that can be dealt with effectively by parents, with the help of their GPs, before considering a specialist referral.’

Together with the rest of their team, the Poo Nurses hold regular parent workshops.

Greater reach

Ms Hanson added: ‘We chose the video as a platform to spread the message not only locally, but nationally so parents can watch and learn how to manage this condition in their own time. We can reach many more parents than our group sessions could ever possibly reach.’

Ms Ripper added: ‘Parents have told us that had they had more information right at the very beginning then their child would not have suffered for such a long time.’

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