Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Vectair Systems campaigns for hygiene bins in mens toilets
Vectair Systems is taking the lead in encouraging establishments to provide hygiene waste bins in men's toilets, by spreading the word about the issues associated with urinary incontinence.
The company is taking inspiration from a recent initiative in Germany, led by the Federal Association of Prostate Self-Help (BPS) in association with the German Hotel & Restaurant Association (Dehoga). According to a study, more than five million men in Germany (12% of the male population) suffer from urinary incontinence, especially after prostate surgery. However, less than two million of those dealing with the condition seek medical treatment.
Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing problem which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Men with urinary incontinence may have to wear special inlays which have to be changed frequently; however, many men's washrooms currently lack a discrete, safe and hygienic way to dispose of these.
BPS in Germany recognised this, and has proactively launched an initiative to promote the supply of hygiene bins in men's toilets called the 'Initative für Hygienebehälter in Herrentoiletten'. It aims to help men suffering from urinary incontinence enjoy an active social life without barriers.
Legislation was also passed in Germany in 2013 which instructed establishments to install at least one hygiene bin (incorporating a lid so waste is hidden) in each men's washroom so that men can easily dispose of their hygiene waste.
According to the NHS, it is estimated that between three and six million people in the UK may have some degree of urinary incontinence, and many of these will be men. However, it is uncommon to see sanitary waste bins in men's toilets around the UK.
So Vectair Systems - which, for more than three years, has been in partnership with The Eve Appeal women's cancer charity to raise awareness of women's gynaecological cancers - is keen to support men and their equal need for suitable waste disposal in the washroom.
Vectair's Femcare MVP sanitary disposal bin currently carries The Eve Appeal logo to increase awareness and encourage women to check for vital signs and symptoms of women's cancers. It also helps to raise funds, as for every feminine hygiene unit ordered in the UK, 50p is given by Vectair to The Eve Appeal.
Jenny Eclair, comedienne and one of The Eve Appeal's celebrity supporters, says: "Awareness of gynaecological cancers is really low because people are too embarrassed to discuss possible symptoms openly. A little nudge by spotting one of these The Eve Appeal stickers while in a private washroom really makes a difference."
Paul Wonnacott, managing director, Vectair Systems says: "In the UK, 55 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer every day and 21 die. Despite these grim statistics, gynaecological cancers are neither a well-profiled nor a well-funded cause. Part of the problem is that women are too embarrassed to discuss gynaecological cancers. In the same way, men see urinary incontinence as a subject that is taboo, and so it often goes ignored.
"We have taken steps to help women and we would like to help men too. We hope that, through spreading the word about men's washroom needs, we can encourage public places like hotels, restaurants and offices to provide a suitable and discreet solution for men's sanitary waste."
For anyone who would like to know more about urinary incontinence, Vectair has produced a 'useful information' document which can be found on its website:
17th December 2015