NHS chiefs have backtracked on plans halve the number of incontinence pads it supplies to nursing home residents, following an outcry from carers.

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust sent letters to homes earlier this year, saying the number of pads available to each resident each day would be cut from four to two.

But a backlash from care workers appears to have forced a rethink. One Bucks carer, who asked not to be named, said: “When you run out of pads you have to rely on the family to cough up to buy more, but not everybody has family.”

“We had an incident recently where we ran out of pads and you've got people sitting around without any knickers on....

“They are going to be urinating on the plastic sheets put down on the chairs or on their clothes. Residents with dementia then don't understand why they are dirty and it can be very embarrassing and distressing for them.

“It's a dreadful, dreadful thing to have to watch happen to them. They should have however many pads are needed.”

She said some carers have gone out and bought pads for residents when the home has run out, which they are not allowed to do. A box of ten costs about £2.50.

The trust said 'bowel habit', fluid intake and other lifestyle changes could be made to tackle incontinence more effectively.

And spokesman Richard Burton said would be increased support, training and education to patients and carers.

He added: “Following feedback from patients and care homes, we have decided to pause the implementation of these recommendations.

“It is important that the continence service follows national best practice, and all patients will be reviewed individually before any changes are made to their incontinence pad prescription or their support programme.”

Iver resident Bernadette Hedger, 63, has friends who live in nursing homes and has been protesting against any changes. She told the Free Press: “Cutting the pads could open the residents up to infection and all sorts of things.

“These people are elderly and frail and can't speak for themselves...Their dignity is just being written off if this goes ahead. Once again the elderly and infirm will be at the bottom of the heap.”