More than five million people in the UK have problems with urinary incontinence. Sadly, only one in eight people feel able to tell someone that they are also experiencing faecal incontinence or soiling.
These problems have been described as the 'thief of dignity' by those who suffer from it. You can be assured, though, that help is available. It is important to know that, given time and patience, a great deal of problems with incontinence can be cured or at least improved.
Assessments are conducted in a secure, private environment by a specialist nurse. The service is confidential and is tailored to meet your individual needs. Treatment and support can include lifestyle advice, bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, irrigation devices and bladder scanning. The provision and ongoing management of continence pad supplies for Dorset is also managed by this service.
We work with GPs for the prescribing of medication and devices, where necessary, and can link in with other healthcare professionals when more specialised treatment is required.
Other professional help is available from any of the following:
- your GP
- practice nurse
- district nurse
- school nurse
- health visitor.
We provide a nurse-led service to support people across Dorset with bladder and bowel problems.
Our continence team works with people to alleviate or cure the problem, or to help them manage the problem effectively. We run clinics throughout Dorset, details of which can be found in the list below .
Health promotion
The continence advisors are keen to share their knowledge and experience with other health professionals and carers. We provide a range of teaching options for other health professionals. We can offer support and advice to nursing and residential homes in the private care sector, as well as carers and their agencies in the voluntary care sector.
Key information about this service
If you, or your loved one, would like to access this service and can attend a clinic in your area, please speak to your GP or any other healthcare professional involved with your care to arrange a referral. Alternatively you can telephone the relevant office to self-refer or to ask for more information.
Please note that referrals for our children’s service must come from a clinical healthcare professional as unfortunately we are unable to accept self-referrals for children.
Following receipt of your referral you will be registered with the service and allocated to the appropriate waiting list. This is usually based on the locality closest to your residential address. We aim to triage all referrals within two weeks and our current waiting times for clinic appointments is approximately 18 weeks and for housebound patients approximately four weeks.
Regular clinics are held throughout Dorset. If you are housebound and cannot get to a clinic, our healthcare assistants can carry out telephone assessments or where necessary visit you at home to give advice and suggest treatment.
During your appointment you will be assessed by a female advisor and an individual treatment plan designed with you.
We support anyone experiencing a wide range of bladder and bowel problems. There may be occasions when it will be necessary for certain specialist treatments to be administered at home. You will be advised by your clinician if this is needed.
Follow-up appointments
Your referral will be left open with the service for six months after your last appointment date, after this time you may need a new referral from your GP or health care professional to access the service.
The clinician responsible for your care will tell you what symptoms or complications after treatment to look out for, that would mean you should make an appointment. They will also provide you with the information you need on how to contact the service.
Blandford Hospital - Blandford
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes, available on-site or on-road parking immediately outside.
Disabled access: Yes
Bridport Hospital - Bridport
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes, available on-site (free of charge).
Disabled access: Yes
Canford Heath Health Clinic
Wi-Fi: No
Parking: Please look for local free parking nearby.
Disabled access: Yes
Frederick Treves House
Wi-Fi: No
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Pelhams Clinic - Bournemouth
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes, opposite the health centre or at the community centre.
Disabled access: Yes
Shelley Road - Boscombe
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes, free car park, on-road parking or a multi-storey car park a short walk away in the Sovereign Centre (Boscombe).
Disabled access: Yes
Wareham Hospital - Wareham
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes, but limited, pay and display parking on approach to hospital
Disabled access: Yes
Yeatman Hospital - Sherborne
Wi-Fi: Yes
Parking: Yes - there are two car parks at Yeatman Hospital (the Upper Car Park, which is near the main hospital entrance, and the Lower Car Park, which is near the Minor Injuries Unit). Car parking is free for the first 15 minutes and then £1 an hour.
Disabled access: Yes