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Bladder and Bowel Health Adult Service (Continence)

  • The service provides professional advice, guidance and information on the management and promotion of bladder and bowel continence and treatment of faecal and urinary incontinence. Continence problems affects about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. The good news is that in 70% of people the symptoms can be improved and even cured.

  • Base: 1 Kings Court, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester
  • Service Manager Lead: Elaine Sutcliffe
  • Address: Kings Court 1 Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1JR
  • Reception phone number: 01905 681604

About the service

The service provides professional advice, guidance and information on the management and promotion of bladder and bowel continence and treatment of faecal and urinary incontinence.

The service is based at Kings Court 1, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester.

Clinics are provided from community hospital outpatient departments or health clinics.

The service also assesses and prescribes catheter and catheter related equipment for patients who have a GP in the Wyre Forest area.

The service is run by specialist nurses who aim to improve the symptoms of any bladder/bowel dysfunction, giving the person back an element of control and reducing any impact it may be having on their and their carer’s quality of life.

Services offered include:

  • Comprehensive continence assessment for bladder or bowel dysfunction
  • Home visits for housebound people;
  • A range of treatments, promotion, exercises or management systems;
  • Education and support to other healthcare professionals;
  • Working closely with the women’s health physiotherapy service and urogynaecology services and other health and social care professionals across Worcestershire.

 

What to Expect

Each patient with a continence problem will start with a comprehensive assessment, including a review of their bladder and bowel habit history.

During the first assessment, the clinician will discuss the nature of the continence problem with the patient and note any past medical history, along with care previously provided. They will discuss if a physical examination or a bladder scan is required. A plan of care will then be agreed between the patient and the clinician.

Full continence cannot be guaranteed, but the nurse will set a realistic goal and together you will work towards achieving it.

General information

What's normal?

Going to the toilet four to seven times a day and weeing between half and a pint of urine each time.

What's not normal?

It is not normal if you have:

  • have pain in your bladder 
  • blood in your urine (wee) 
  • difficulty passing urine (wee)
  • a change in bowel habit
  • blood or mucus in your faeces (poo) 
  • stomach pain 
  • unintentional weight loss 
  • to go to the toilet urgently
  • to go to the toilet frequently 
  • urinary (wee) incontinence or 
  • bowel incontinence

If you have any of these problems contact your GP. 

What can I do?

Make changes to your lifestyle.

  • Try to lose weight if you need to.
  • Avoid going to the toilet 'just in case'. Go when you need to. 
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Do pelvic floor muscle training. You can be shown how to squeeze your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Bladder training. This will mean you can learn how to wait longer
  • Drink more water so that your body is hydrated. 
  • Add liquid food to your diet such as soups

Want more information or advice?

Contact the Continence Advisory Service and speak to a specialist nurse. It usually just takes three appointments.

This service will:

  • Assess what type of bladder or bowel problem you have
  • Give information on pelvic floor exercises 
  • Give information on bladder training
  • Give treatment with prescribed medicines if needed
  • Give general advice on controlling and managing symptoms
  • Visit at home if you are housebound

Ask your GP or Health Care Professional to make a referral.

Need Help Finding Supplies? Click on the link below for more information.

ALTERNATIVE COMPANIES TO PURCHASE CONTINENCE PRODUCTS

Contact details

The Bladder and Bowel Health Service is based at: 1 Kings Court, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester WR5 1JR.

For general queries or to reorder continence pads you can telephone 01905 681604 between 10-1pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or email the Bladder and Bowel team.

To reorder catheter equipment (in the Wyre Forest area only) you can call 01562 514551 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or email Wyre Forest Prescription Team.

How to be referred

Patients must be 18 years old or over and registered with a Worcestershire GP.

Patients can be referred to our service by a GP or health professional.