Can a support worker perform bowel interventions?

Standard support workers cannot perform rectal interventions such as digital rectal examination, suppository insertion or enema administration. These are High Intensity Daily Activity tasks that must be performed by a registered nurse, or under their direct clinical supervision. Support workers can assist with general continence hygiene, positioning and bowel chart completion.

What is a neurogenic bowel program?

A neurogenic bowel occurs when the nerves controlling bowel function are damaged, most commonly in spinal cord injury, MS or brain injury. A neurogenic bowel program is a structured, timed routine using a combination of positioning, rectal interventions and dietary management to achieve predictable, controlled bowel emptying. Our nurses design and implement these programs in line with your spinal cord or neurological team's recommendations.

Nursing

NDIS Complex Bowel Care in Queensland

Neurogenic bowel programs, rectal interventions and dignified bowel care delivered by registered nurses.

Bowel management is one of the most personal aspects of disability support, and one of the most clinically complex. For participants with neurogenic bowel, constipation or faecal incontinence related to their disability, routine bowel management may require skilled nursing intervention that goes beyond what a support worker can safely provide. First Priority Care's registered nurses deliver dignified, effective bowel care in your home.

What Our Complex Bowel Care Includes

Comprehensive bowel assessment: history, function, contributing factors, current management
Neurogenic bowel management programs: for participants with spinal cord injury, MS or acquired brain injury
Digital rectal examination (DRE) and digital rectal stimulation (DRS)
Suppository administration: glycerine, bisacodyl and other prescribed suppositories
Enema administration: phosphate, micro-enema and other prescribed enemas
Transanal irrigation management: setup, technique and ongoing oversight
Manual evacuation where clinically indicated and per participant consent and care plan
Bowel care chart development and monitoring
Stool consistency and Bristol Stool Scale monitoring
Dietary and fluid intake review in collaboration with dietitian
GP and gastroenterology liaison for complex or refractory cases

NDIS Funding

Complex bowel care is a High Intensity Daily Activity support funded under Core Supports: Assistance with Daily Life. It is one of the supports most frequently underused in NDIS plans, often because participants are not aware that clinical nursing support is available and fundable.

Areas We Serve

Brisbane (North and South)
Logan
Ipswich
Gold Coast
Redlands

Frequently Asked Questions

Support coordinator? Refer a participant directly. We respond within 4 business hours.

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Ready when you are

Let's build a care plan that works for you.

Speak with our care team about your NDIS plan, your goals, and how we can help.

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