Free nappies

gewwwy

Does anyone know what the legal rights are to obtaining free nappies for children who are eligible? In my area I've been told there's a waiting list to get free nappies, even if your child fits the Council's eligibility criteria, surely this can't be right?

ScopeHelpline

In our experience the quantity, quality and eligibility for supplies are at the discretion of the individual authority and in practice this provision will depend on the priorities and resources of that authority.

This seems to result in the so-called, 'postcode rationing', in which incontinence product provision is often limited by local financial restraints and rationing of supplies appears to remain widespread.

However, we would suggest that you challenge being told that you will have to wait by formerly complaining, explaining why it is not reasonable to expect your child to wait.

We know of two organisations that specialise in advising on incontinence issues so you might want to check with them:

ERIC: http://www.eric.org.uk/Help/home

Bowel and Bladder Foundation: http://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/about/about.asp


Best Wishes
Scope Helpline Staff
www.scope.org.uk
0808 800 3333

abstractLucas

It is worth asking for their eligibility criteria in writing too - each health authority has it's own guidance, and it might be that they do not consider a child being relient on nappies is unusual until they are (for example) four or five.
Lucas

kelly2016

Hi I didn't know free nappies was available. My child is 10 and the biggest under jams nappies are becoming tight.  Who do I apply to ? 

Blue Frog

Kelly, is there a school nurse? They usually sort things like this out. Or if not, try your GP

kelly2016

Okay that's great.  I will speak to the school nurse   thank you