Sanctuary Continence Nursing

08/09/2026

If only our government and the NDIS truly recognised the vital role Nurse Continence Specialists play in supporting children and families, and understood just how essential these services are for genuine inclusion—particularly within the Thriving Kids program.
Constipation in children is a significant and often overlooked issue, yet its impact on a child’s health, wellbeing, participation and quality of life can be enormous. Sadly, this is a problem that continues to be underestimated not just here in Australia, but around the world.

We need greater awareness, earlier intervention and access to the right specialist support. Continence care matters, and children deserve to have their needs taken seriously.

This BBC article highlights just how widespread and serious childhood constipation can be: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr9zg17n5yo?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUNdB5wZG9mBWZkaWQWUOBLUvZTltQA29HcT2poPXiaYASeFGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHkp002BM-H_4tsWyl7HZUPdjk_qFNY36yKVcEB3Oj2fhq9HD0x5pvKVEuDOM_aem_kMtMfQio84iqr4NDAX2fZg

The number of children being admitted to hospital with constipation is at a 10-year high.

25/08/2026

For children with childhood dementia, time moves differently. Skills, words and memories are lost while the world keeps moving forward.

This Childhood Dementia Day, Wednesday 23 September, we're saying it plainly: We Can't Wait.

We can't wait for care systems that understand childhood dementia. We can't wait for treatments. We can't wait for support behind every family.

In Australia, 2 babies are born every week with a condition that causes childhood dementia. Somewhere in the world, childhood dementia takes a life every 11 minutes.

Between now and 23 September you'll learn more about Angelina, Caleb, Eddie, Hannah, Noah, Thomas and Toby. Some are living with childhood dementia today. Some have died. Every one of their stories is a call for change.

Here's how you can help. Share their stories and donate on Wednesday 23 September, when every gift will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $150,000 thanks to the Hooper Shaw Foundation. Help us call for change. Help us build more supports for families.

Their time is short. Your impact isn't.

Visit https://www.childhooddementia.org/wecantwait to find out more.

23/08/2026

Love teaming up with Annette from Kids that go for the benefit do our kids. Thanks HMRI for giving us a dedicated session. And Rubi for being an excellent helper.

21/07/2026

Kids that go, should we organise a group session?

We're proud to announce the HMRI Poo Palace, our giant inflatable digestive system, has been named a National Finalist in the 2026 AMI Marketing Excellence Awards, in the Experiential and Event Marketing category!

The Poo Palace takes primary school aged kids on a journey through the human body, from mouth to stomach to small intestine to colon, and finally out the other end, just like food does, teaching them how their bodies process food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste along the way.

Created by HMRI in partnership with the University of Newcastle's Gastrointestinal Research Group, it's about more than making people laugh (although it does that too).
Gut health plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing, and our researchers are working to understand exactly how the gut microbiome affects it. The Poo Palace takes that science and turns it into something families can walk through, laugh at and actually remember.

It's great to see that work recognised on a national stage. Congratulations to the whole team behind this one!

Catch the Poo Palace at this year's Hunter Science Festival 💩https://okt.to/GU10ig

09/07/2026

https://c.org/cBSj9Bz2zm

Reform NDIS Assessment Processes - Restore Clinical Authority in Patient Care

30/06/2026

Excellent resource

Is your child showing behaviours which may be associated with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)?

We've created a new resource to help answer some of the questions you may have about PDA, and to give some tips and advice to help support your child with their toileting.

This new resource includes:

🔴What is PDA?
🔴How it might present in children
🔴Toileting issues
🔴Typical behaviours related to toileting for a child with a PDA profile
🔴How to help with toileting
🔴Strategies to help manage anxiety
🔴Techniques to help manage the behaviours
🔴Language ideas - examples of neutral choice-based language and reassuring and low-pressure phrases

Find this new resource on the ERIC website: https://eric.org.uk/what-is-pda/

25/06/2026

Once again a fabulous collaboration with the amazing Jodie.

25/06/2026

Due to high demand, Sanctuary’s books for face to face appointments are now closed until September 2026.
We have limited Telehealth appointments available for appropriate referrals and review appointments.
If you would like to be waitlisted or enquire about a Telehealth appointment or to discuss your referral, please email
[email protected]
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to assisting as many people as possible.
Sharon and Janice

03/05/2026

Wonderful product

Did you know that Pjama's are covered under NDIS funding? We know that the cost of managing long-term incontinence can add up quickly, especially when you factor in the endless cycle of disposable products.
Pjama products generally fall under two main categories within an NDIS plan:
* Consumables (Core Supports): Our washable pants and shorts are considered "low-cost AT" or consumables because they replace the need for ongoing disposable nappies.
* Assistive Technology (Capital Supports): Our bedwetting alarms and vibrating reminder watches are classified as AT to assist with continence monitoring and independence.

Investing in Pjama isn't just about saving money in the long run; it’s about meeting NDIS goals of increased independence and community participation. When a child feels confident enough to attend a sleepover, they are building social skills that last a lifetime. Let your NDIS funds work for your child’s future.

22/04/2026

Sanctuary is going on leave again .
Closed from 14/5 - 1-6.
Please email any inquiries and Janice and I will action our return.