The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has recently published their updated guidelines on Bowel Care: Management of lower bowel dysfunction, including digital rectal examination and digital removal of faeces. Fully revised, these guidelines provide an update on best practice and guidance for all nursing staff. They also incorporate knowledge of bowel function and the essentials of assessment, treatment and management of lower bowel dysfunction. The guidelines promote a positive and proactive approach to care delivery for the essential and fundamental needs of bowel function and management of bowel disorders. 
 
Writing in the foreword, Joanne Hoyle, Continence Specialist Nurse and Independent Practitioner, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Carmel College, says: ‘It is great to see that the work by the RCN bladder and bowel forum continues and that these guidelines have been thoroughly reviewed and updated. This enables high standards in both bladder and bowel care to be delivered in a safe manner to all patients. This is an excellent resource for all health care professionals working within or external to the specialty. A big thank you goes to all those involved in this great piece of work.’ 
 
To access the guidelines or order a hard copy, go to https://www.rcn.org.uk/Professional-Development/publications/rcn-bowel-care-uk-pub-011-049