The call, in the form of an early day motion (EDM 216), was signed by Jodie Gosling, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APP) on Bladder and Bowel Continence Care, alongside fellow APPG member Cat Eccles. Support also came from Mohammad Yasin, who sits on the APPGroup on Adult Social Care, and Alison Bennett, the Liberal Democrats' spokesperson for care and carers.

Gosling said: ‘We recognise there has to be a move away from "pad culture" through improved continence support and training, but this should not leave patients without the products they need. Rationing pads does not solve this issue, and the impact reaches every part of daily life – from work and education to mental health and independence.

‘We need a patient-focused approach, via community care initiatives and value-based procurement. We can still bring down costs whilst treating patients with dignity.'

The move comes after another FOI request revealed children with bladder and bowel conditions are waiting months – and in some cases years – for specialist NHS support.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Continence pads are important for patients with a range of conditions and should be accessible based on clinical need.

‘NHS England has published new guidance to help ensure adults and children receive more consistent support wherever they live, and we expect local NHS organisations to follow this. This will help ensure patients get access to products like continence pads sooner and reduce differences in care between areas.

‘No child should be left waiting for essential NHS care, and we know more must be done to ensure families get the support they need.

‘Variation in access across the country is not acceptable, which is why this Government is committed to shifting care out of hospitals and into local communities, making it easier for children and families to access support closer to home.'