Bladder Health UK and ITN Productions collaborate to make news-style programme breaking boundaries in bladder health

It’s estimated 14 million people - men, women, young people and children - are living with a bladder illness in the UK. Many suffer pain, stigma and isolation.

Bladder Health UK and ITN Productions Industry News have co-produced a news-style programme “Bladder Health: Breaking Boundaries” raising awareness and understanding of bladder health, addressing the stigma and challenges for sufferers and showcasing some of the education, technology and people at the forefront of healthcare change.

From Cystitis to incontinence, a bladder illness can cause anxiety. Anchored by ITN Productions presenter Sharon Thomas from ITN’s London studios, "Bladder Health: Breaking Boundaries” features thought leadership interviews with industry experts and leading organisations and heartfelt stories from those living with bladder illnesses.

Sharing their experiences, young adults discuss how they live life positively despite their bladder conditions and how they seek to encourage others to speak out. A short animation addressing the support and advice available to anyone suffering from a bladder problem, signposting people on the journey to find the right treatment.

Suzanne Evans, Business Director, Bladder Health UK said: “the team here at Bladder Health UK have been dealing with bladder illness and associated issues on a daily basis for over 20 years. We experience first- hand the complexities both physical and emotional that having a bladder problem can cause. Raising awareness of these debilitating and often painful illnesses and encouraging more people to talk openly about them is important to us. It is the way we break the boundaries created by the stigma and taboo of admitting you have a problem. Finding the confidence to talk could be your first step to a quality of life you thought was not possible”

The programme features reporter-led sponsored editorial case study films from eight partners:

• Astellas Pharma – a pharmaceutical company helping those living with Overactive Bladder Syndrome

• Bio-Kult – ADM Protexin, manufacturers of Bio-Kult, say that clinical studies have shown the regular use of probiotics can play a role in helping keep the urinary tract healthy and prevent infection

• ConvaTec - a medical technology company providing continence management products, specialising in supporting catheter users

• Essity – makers of TENA, working with healthcare professionals to provide the latest advice through their online training platform

• iMEDicare – a company specialising in pelvic health devices to support men living with bladder problems

• Medac Pharma – a pharmaceutical company specialising in technology that supports bladder cancer patients to report post treatment side effects

• PhenUtest Diagnostics – makers of a new technology revolutionising Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) diagnosis

• Teleflex – providers of speciality medical devices including the UroLift System providing minimal invasive alternative treatment for those with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Nina Harrison-Bell Head of ITN Productions Industry News said: “Bladder problems are often ignored, unrecognized, misdiagnosed and left untreated by those too embarrassed to acknowledge that they experience them. Our programme, in partnership with Bladder Health UK, aims to change the narrative around the subject and provide a platform to motivate the many with bladder problems to get the right diagnosis and seek the right treatment for better patient outcomes across the UK.”

The programme launched at the Association for Continence Advice Annual Conference, 16-17 May 2022 and featured news items, interviews and sponsored editorial profiles. The showcase video was very well recieved by the ACA Delegates with many coming to the BHUK exhibition stand to congratulate us on the theme of the programme and the impactful films.

Bladder Health UK will support the programme with an extensive campaign targeting their members. For more information, contact Suzanne Evans - via suzanne@bladderhealthuk.org

-Ends-

About ITN Productions Industry News

ITN Productions produces bespoke creative and commercial content for broadcasters, businesses, brands, rights holders, and digital channels. Industry News forms part of this offering and is a communications tool for leading industry bodies and national associations produced in a broadcast news-style programme format, including interviews, news items and sponsored editorial profiles. For more information visit: www.itnproductions.co.uk / Linkedin ITN Productions Industry News / Twitter @ITNPIndNews

About Bladder Health UK

Bladder Health UK gives support to people with all forms of cystitis, overactive bladder, and continence issues together with their families and friends. We are the largest bladder patient support charity in the UK. We have a widely used website and very active Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for those bladder illness sufferers seeking information, help and support. For more information visit: https://bladderhealthuk.org/



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