Moray toilet survery shock findings revealed

ONE third of people in Moray surveyed on their opinions on public loos have admitted to not going out of the house if they are unsure whether a toilet will be available.

The shock finding emerged from a health survey designed to gauge people's views on public toilets in Moray and how they impact on daily lives.

Of the 181 people who took part in the survey, 33% said the availability of a toilet was a factor in deciding to go out of the house.

Views were gauged on-line, in the outpatient department at Dr Grays Hospital and among staff of the Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership.

The on-line survey done in collaboration with 'The Northern Scot' is part of a drive towards e-health in Moray.

Professor Grant Cumming, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Dr Gray's, is spearheading the move to engage people in making choices about their own lifestyle and health on-line.

The formal launch of a health e-Space website in Moray is due to take place later this year. The toilet survey revealed that 10% of respondents suffered from urinary incontinence and 10% also suffered from inflammatory bowel disease.

The survey showed that 65% of people use public toilets, and 89% view them as important. However, some people claimed that a number of toilets are difficult to access and there are not enough of them.

Moray Council has closed a number of toilets in recent years as part of a cost-cutting drive. Prof Cumming hopes that the results of the survey can be used to inform people of public toilet provision in Moray, and help Moray Council in determining the future provision of public conveniences.

One respondent said that a public loo helped people retain their dignity when they have a medical problem.

Others said it was important to retain them for the elderly and children in particular.

Running in tandem with the loo survey was a questionnaire on people's attitudes to Internet-based education and healthcare.

People were asked about their willingness to use the Internet to access health information, and even the possibility of online consultations.

A total of 195 took part in the survey, mainly in the 41-60 years age range, and 94% said they felt confident in accessing information on-line, while 85% felt reassured by the information.

More than 60% of people said they already used the Internet to get answers to health questions, and 51% said they would be comfortable with an on-line consultation.

The aim of the e-health drive in Moray is for people to take greater responsibility for managing and maintaining their health, and with people leading busy lives, the Internet is an ideal way to do this.