Overactive bladder syndrome

That this House notes that overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) affects over 4.5 million people in the UK and costs the health system over £840 million per year; recognises that the serious condition impacts on physical, social and psychological wellbeing and can dominate and impose on peoples’ sense of personal freedom by interfering with daily activities; is concerned that inadequate management of this condition can lead to escalating health costs and unnecessary hospitalisations; acknowledges that the covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted on patients being able to access their GP or receive adequate care and support for continence issues; further recognises that community-based continence services have been shown to save valuable NHS resources whilst restoring dignity to people and facilitating their ability to lead full and active lives; acknowledges that effective treatment of OAB and incontinence recognises the importance of access to early assessment and diagnosis and appropriate clinical interventions at the right point in time for each patient; and calls on the Government to ensure adherence to NICE Guidelines and NHS England’s Excellence in Continence Care recommendations.