As a healthcare professional, you’ll know that for many patients living with digestive conditions, the anxiety of being caught short in public can be as debilitating as the physical symptoms themselves. Guts UK, the national charity for the digestive system, launched their “Can’t Wait” card to address this barrier to independence and improve patients’ quality of life.
The primary purpose of the card is to eliminate the need for patients to provide an explanation about their condition when they don't have the time, in what could be an already distressing situation. Our cards can ease feelings of worry, panic or embarrassment for users when they quite simply need to go now.
Ben, 39, has Crohn’s disease and a stoma. He told Guts UK:
“The ‘Can’t Wait’ cards are a fantastic tool for improving your self-confidence. When you have inflammatory bowel disease or a stoma, you can sometimes get caught short. Having the card to show in a shop or restaurant means that you have a better chance of getting the access you need without having to face talking everything through.”
Understanding the ‘Can’t Wait’ card
The card is a wallet-sized tool, designed to be carried discreetly in a pocket, wallet or purse. When presented in public spaces such as shops, restaurants or entertainment venues, it serves as a clear signal that the holder has a medical condition and requires urgent toilet access.The primary purpose of the card is to eliminate the need for patients to provide an explanation about their condition when they don't have the time, in what could be an already distressing situation. Our cards can ease feelings of worry, panic or embarrassment for users when they quite simply need to go now.
Ben, 39, has Crohn’s disease and a stoma. He told Guts UK:
“The ‘Can’t Wait’ cards are a fantastic tool for improving your self-confidence. When you have inflammatory bowel disease or a stoma, you can sometimes get caught short. Having the card to show in a shop or restaurant means that you have a better chance of getting the access you need without having to face talking everything through.”
Why your patients need the ‘Can’t Wait’ card
Digestive conditions and symptoms are often invisible, leading to public misunderstandings or refusals when patients ask to use non-public facilities. This can be particularly crucial for:- Stoma patients: Patients like Ben who may face sudden leaks or the urgent need to empty or change their medical appliance.
- Patients with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease): Individuals with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or microscopic colitis who experience unpredictable and urgent symptoms.
- Patients with upper gastrointestinal conditions: Regurgitation and vomiting who also experience unpredictable and urgent symptoms.
- Other digestive conditions: Anyone with a digestive condition that may need immediate access to a toilet or bathroom.
How you can signpost patients
Integrating the Guts UK ‘Can’t Wait’ card into your clinical practice is a simple but impactful way to provide holistic care. You could tell your patients about the card during:- Post-diagnosis consultations: Tell your newly diagnosed patients about the card.
- Follow-up appointments: Check if patients are experiencing “toilet anxiety” or social isolation due to their symptoms.
- Pre-discharge planning: Ensure stoma or surgical patients know about the card and how to get one before being discharged from hospital, to help them with their transition back to daily life.
How to order ‘Can’t Wait’ cards
Guts UK provides these cards free of charge to ensure there are no barriers to access. To stock them in your clinic or hospital department:- Contact details: Email the team at info@gutscharity.org.uk or call 0300 102 4887 to discuss your requirements. We can provide a poster with a URL and QR code that you can display and share.
- Signposting: Alternatively, you can direct patients to order their own card via the Guts UK website: gutscharity.org.uk/this-cant-wait-card.
How you can support Guts UK’s mission
Guts UK’s mission is to improve the lives of the millions of people affected by digestive conditions. They provide PIF TICK accredited information covering more than 40 digestive conditions and symptoms. While the ‘Can’t Wait’ cards are free, the charity relies on donations to fund their work.Healthcare professionals can support this work by:
- Displaying leaflets: Buying Guts UK information leaflets for your clinic and displaying our printable materials in your waiting rooms. For more information, visit: gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/information-leaflets/
- Using the ‘What’s Up With My Gut?’ resource: A website endorsed by the RGCP to help shorten the time to diagnosis and provide clear pathways for patients. Visit: whatsupwithmygut.org.uk
- Staying informed: Following Guts UK on social media (search ‘gutscharityuk’) for the latest news on digestive health information, stories, campaigns and events.
