Bladder and Bowel Service (Central Lancashire)

Do you experience bladder or bowel dysfunction? You are not alone and there are things you can do to try to improve your symptoms. Even occasional leakage should not be ignored.

Leakage from the bladder and bowel that cannot be controlled by individuals of all ages is more widespread than is often recognised.

In the UK, more than 14 million people experience bladder control problems and 6.5 million have bowel control difficulties.

These are the figures that we know about but there are likely to be many more people with symptoms who do not admit it as we do not tend to talk about it.

The aim of the Central Lancashire Community Bladder and Bowel Service is to provide evidence-based advice, specialist assessment and treatment of bladder, bowel or pelvic floor dysfunction and give the patient the skills and support to improve and/or manage symptoms in order to improve quality of life and achieve patient-led goals.

Who the service can support:

• The Central Lancashire Community Bladder and Bowel Service accepts pelvic floor physiotherapy referrals for clients aged over 18 registered with a Chorley or South Ribble GP.
• The Central Lancashire Community Bladder and Bowel Service accepts nurse referrals for clients aged over 18 registered with a Preston, Chorley or South Ribble GP. 

Where full continence is not achievable, the service aims to provide advice regarding effective management of incontinence. In some circumstances, this may include the prescription of continence pads in line with the bladder and bowel service formulary.

 Our clinical team will:

• Treat every patient with respect and dignity.
• Provide an accessible and high-quality patient-centred service.
• Complete an assessment of the patient’s condition and develop a treatment or management plan with them that is specific to their individual needs.
• Keep the patient fully informed of their planned care to enable them to make informed and supported choices.
• Provide every patient with a high standard of care based on current clinical guidance and pathways.

The Central Lancashire Community Bladder and Bowel Service provide education and training to patients and carers as part of their assessment. Training is also provided where appropriate to care homes, charitable organisations, and the voluntary sector on request.

How to access the service 

Health and social care professionals can refer clients to the service using the service referral form.

Patient self-referrals are accepted. However, we only accept self-referrals from individuals who have capacity and understanding to be able to provide a detailed medical history about themselves during the referral discussion. A friend or relative cannot make a referral on someone else’s behalf. 

Self-referrals can be made by telephone or by completing the self-referral form.

After referral

• Once your referral has been received, you will be placed on a waiting list. You will receive an appointment letter in the post once an appointment becomes available.
• A bladder/bowel diary will usually be sent with the appointment which you should complete to the best of your ability prior to the appointment and take it with you to your first appointment.

At the appointment

• Please bring a urine sample with you to your appointment if possible, along with your completed chart.
• Your Healthcare professional will complete a full assessment. This may, with your consent, include a bladder scan. For this, you will be asked to lie down on an examination couch and lift your clothing so that a probe can be placed on your tummy. The scan will indicate the amount of urine in your bladder.
• If any other examination is required, your healthcare professional will discuss this with you at your appointment.
• If you would like a chaperone present, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Where the service is provided

The service is based at Ribbleton Clinic, but clinics are run from a number of clinic bases across the Central Lancashire geographical area. Choice of clinic will vary depending on which professional your referral has been triaged to and availability.

• Brookfield Clinic, Preston
• Fulwood Clinic, Preston
• Ribbleton Clinic, Preston
• Buckshaw Village Health Centre
• South Ribble Clinic, Leyland
• Penwortham Health Centre

Home visits are also available for patients who are housebound or where it has been assessed as clinically more appropriate.