Dorset Bladder & Bowel Continence Service

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. The provision of pad supply for Dorset is managed by this service.

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.

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. 

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.

Regular clinics are held throughout Dorset. If you are housebound and cannot get to a clinic, healthcare assistants can visit you at home to give advice and suggest treatment. We liaise regularly with district nursing teams if they require specialist advice.

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.

Where are the clinics?

We run clinics throughout east and west Dorset, details of which can be found in the list below or using the contact details below.

During your appointment you will be assessed by a female advisor and an individual treatment plan designed with you.

We support everyone, including children, with 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.

Contact information

The offices are open to enquiries from 8.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Dorset Bladder & Bowel Continence Service (West)
Forston Clinic
Herrison Road
Charlton Down
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 9TB
Tel: 01305 259978
Email: continence.dept@nhs.net

Dorset Bladder & Bowel Continence Service (East)
11 Shelley Road
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 4JQ
Tel: 01202 443111
Email: dhc.continence.shelleyroad@nhs.net

Where to access the service: