Bowel Care
Bowel care training helps your team support people with their bowel health: how the bowel works, bowel routines, constipation and its complications, and giving enemas and suppositories safely. Delivered on-site by a registered nurse, with practical work wherever the subject allows.
About the course
Support safe and dignified bowel care
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Know how the bowel works
- Understand how a spinal cord injury can affect the bowel
- Understand bowel management and the importance of a bowel routine
- Know the Bristol Stool Chart and what stool type and colour may mean
- Be aware of the causes, treatment and complications of constipation
- Know the causes and symptoms of diarrhoea, and the signs of dehydration
- Know what C. diff is, who is at risk and how to stop it spreading
- Know how to give basic bowel care and support someone with incontinence
- Know what an enema is, when it is used and how to give one
- Know how to give a suppository safely, with privacy and dignity
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
How the bowel works
- The bowel
- Anatomy of the bowel
- The reflex bowel
- The flaccid bowel
Bowel management
- Bowel management programmes
- Managing a reflex bowel
- Managing a flaccid bowel
- Bowel routine
- Bristol Stool Chart
- Stool colour
- Good bowel function
Constipation and diarrhoea
- What constipation is
- Causes and treatment
- Complications: haemorrhoids, rectal bleeding and faecal impaction
- Diarrhoea: types, causes and symptoms
- Dehydration
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- What C. diff is
- How it spreads
- Symptoms
- Who is at risk
- Treatment and infection control
Basic bowel care and continence
- Basic bowel care
- Incontinence
- Continence products
Enemas
- What an enema is
- When enemas are used
- How to give an enema
Suppositories
- Indications and contraindications
- Anatomy of the anus and rectum
- Privacy, dignity and infection control
- How to give a suppository
- Risks and side effects
Emptying a neurogenic bowel
- Suppositories and mini-enemas in a bowel programme
- Digital stimulation
Keep exploring
Related courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course — and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK — we come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team.
How long is the Bowel Care course?
It runs as a half day – 3 hours course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 12 delegates per session — we keep practical groups smaller so everyone gets hands-on time.
Is there a practical element?
Yes — delegates practise the techniques hands-on during the course, guided by the trainer. Please note that completion certifies competency within a training-room environment only; competency must still be signed off in the workplace in line with your company policies.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes — every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every year.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below — we reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit — just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care (complex packages), hospices, hospitals & clinics, supported living. If your sector isn’t listed, ask — we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Book this course
We bring Bowel Care training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our clinical training range. Also explore mandatory training and first aid courses.