What we do
Issues with bowel and bladder function can take many different forms; from poor bladder control and incontinence to urgency, faecal incontinence or poor bowel control due to a medical condition. Whatever the form or cause of your problems we understand how distressing, embarrassing and socially isolating it can be.
Assessment
You’ll be asked to take part in an assessment (keeping bowel and bladder diaries) and an examination to help us understand the cause of the problem and how it is impacting on your life. We’ll also take a full medical history.
Some patients may not be able to participate in the assessment. In these instances we would ask your family or carers to support the assessment so that a full picture of the problem can be established.
Once we have an understanding of your problem we’ll tailor a programme of care to your needs. This could include anything from pelvic floor educators and exercise programmes to medication, toileting regimes, advice, and products such as sheaths or in more complicated cases the use of catheters, intermittent self-catheterisation or rectal cleansing. Hopefully, this will reduce or resolve your condition. However, sometimes we may need the assistance of other professionals, such as therapists. If your bladder or bowel issues persist, and containment products are the only remaining option, these will be considered as a last resort once all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Referrals
You’ll be referred to this service by your GP or another health professional. We assess each referral to so that we can prioritise those who need our help most urgently.
Where we work
Clinic appointments are offered on weekdays at the Ironstone Centre in Scunthorpe, and home assessments are available if you are housebound. Staff also attend residential nursing homes in North Lincolnshire to assess and treat patients who live there.
