Bladder and Bowel Service information leaflet

What do we treat?

• Urgency (inability to wait to use the toilet)
• Having to use the toilet very often
• Inability to control bladder/bowels
• Leakage when you cough, jump, etc
• Wetting during the night
• Constipation
• Prolapse
• Difficulty getting to the toilet in time

What will happen once I’ve been referred?

Clinics are available at various venues throughout Preston, Chorley and South Ribble. The clinic you will be offered an appointment at will be based on which clinician you have been assigned (based on clinical need) and appointment availability.

Home visits are only available for those patients who are unable to leave the house (housebound patients) or where the home visit is clinically indicated when the referral is made.

You will receive an appointment through the post as soon as we have one available. You may also receive a chart which you should complete prior to your appointment. It is important you complete the chart to the best of your ability.

There are many lifestyle changes which may improve your problem. Completing the charts will enable us to provide you with the most appropriate advice for your problem.

Please follow the instructions on the chart. Bring your completed chart to your first visit. 

What will happen on my initial visit?

You will be seen by the most appropriate member of the continence team who will complete a full continence assessment to obtain a clear history of your complaint.

Your assessment may also include urine test, bladder scan and an examination. These can aid in deciding the best treatment option for you. We will discuss whether these tests are required at your first visit.

Following your assessment, we will then advise you regarding appropriate health promotion and devise a treatment plan.

We are happy for you to bring a relative or friend as a chaperone if you feel this would be best for you.

What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is the term given to the loss of either urine( wee) or stools (poo) before you can reach the toilet or because you cannot ‘hold on’.

Incontinence problems are very common and can affect both men and women of all ages. Incontinence can impact on your social and psychological wellbeing but with the right care, incontinence can usually be better managed and often improved/cured. 

We also work with people who may not be experiencing true incontinence but who struggle to get to the toilet in time, during the day or night.