As a clinical negligence solicitor with years of experience representing clients who have suffered from life-changing spinal cord injuries, I am pleased to support the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA)’s Paralysed Bowel Care Awareness Day on 10 February 2026.

SIA's paralysed bowel care campaign

A spinal cord injury can disrupt the nerves which control bowel function, leading to loss of voluntary control, lack of sensation and inability to completely empty the bowel. These issues are generally managed via a combination of medication such as laxatives, manual evacuation or rectal irrigation.

Currently SIA provide essential care plans for anyone who is concerned about their bowel care in medical settings and offer specialist training to healthcare professionals to avoid issues from developing. However, there is still a concern that essential bowel care is neglected in acute hospital settings, either after the primary injury or if re-admission is required subsequently.

The consequences of poor bowel care in a hospital setting can be devastating with severe constipation leading to abdominal pain and distension, which can impact respiratory function and increase the risk of infection; skin breakdown and pressure sores from prolonged contact with faeces, often where the patient is unaware due to sensory issues; and in extreme cases, bowel perforation or autonomic dysreflexia.

The impact of poor bowel care

In 2024, SIA conducted a “What Matters?” survey in which 51% of those responding identified bowel care as their primary concern whilst 54% reported receiving poor bowel care in hospital. The impact of poor bowel care in hospital can be long-lasting with 40% of respondents stating it took three or more months for their bowel function to return to normal after being discharged. More than a third of people who took part said their bowel function was still a problem after being admitted to hospital more than three months ago.

The first National Paralysed Bowel Care Awareness Day was held on Monday 10 February 2025 when an information event took place with MPs in Westminster and led to a Paralysed Bowel Care Roundtable event in Parliament. The purpose of the roundtable was to acknowledge the critical issues raised and advance the aims of a nationally recognised awareness day, allowing carer access to assist with bowel care in NHS settings, ensuring each NHS trust has a specialised nurse trained in paralysed bowel care and implementing SIA’s proposed emergency care pathway.

Why there needs to be a change

As a clinical negligence lawyer, I frequently see failures in basic care regarding bowel management, which can lead to avoidable injuries where an appropriate treatment plan and care pathway have not been put in place. These issues can result in prolonged hospital admissions and an increased risk of further injury at an already difficult time for patients. Prolonged bowel issues can have an impact on psychological health and cause social isolation due to fear of bowel accidents when out of the house.

For the 2026 awareness day, SIA are asking people to share experiences of bowel care in medical settings with their MP to illustrate the devastating impact poor care can have on those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. SIA want to help healthcare professionals challenge the bowel care policy at their NHS Trust to improve patient safety for all.

SIA’s campaign shines a spotlight on the issue of neurogenic/paralysed bowel as bowel care is often neglected in medical settings due to the lack of care pathways and training opportunities.

Further information regarding SIA’s 2026 campaign and details of how to contact your MP can be found on the SIA's website.