With an estimated 3% of the population suffering from incontinence, and a cost to the NHS of around £500 million per annum, this is a substantial medical, social and economic problem.

Many aspects of care for older and disabled people have advanced dramatically in recent years but the palliative management of intractable urinary incontinence has not progressed in line with these. To date there is no effective or acceptable alternative to the catheter and bag for people with intractable urinary incontinence that does not involve major surgery. The aim of Biomedhtc.org.uk is to change this situation and give you the information you need to improve your health.