TOILET MAP: ONLINE HELP FOR THOSE CAUGHT SHORT

An online website to guide New Zealanders to the nearest public toilet locations and an accompanying iPhone application were two of the announcements at the launch at Parliament for Crohn's and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust (CCNZ) on 29 July 2010. For patients with these conditions, finding the nearest toilet can be a critical issue. Speaking about the condition, Christchurch-based board member Claire Worsfold, who has Crohn's disease, says frequency of going to the toilet, weight loss, and reports of abdominal pain are important signs of the disease. The CCNZ website www.toiletmap.co.nz is intended for people living with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis but is also a great resource for anybody (eg, travellers, parents with young children needing a nappy change facility). The map provides basic details of facilities in over 1000 public loos across the country, and the new mobile apps use existing mapping and GPS technology.