Email: BladderAndBowelService@elht.nhs.uk
Phone: 01254 735002
What we do
The Bladder and Bowel Service provides a specialist nursing assessment, treatment and management service for those individuals experiencing any bladder or bowel dysfunction from the age of 5 years.
The service works closely with other community disciplines, including care homes, in providing assessment and treatment. The service works with Urology, Urogynaecology, Paediatrics, Colorectal Services, and other healthcare professionals. The Bladder and Bowel Service is provided for the residents of Pennine Lancashire who are registered with a GP in the area.
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 service accepts referrals from health care professionals only, for example Consultant, GP, School Nurse.
Referrals are electronic on the service referral form which can be e-mailed to: BladderAndBowelService@elht.nhs.uk
Please note when referring men to our service a prostate health review must be undertaken prior to referral.
The team are based at:
The Globe Centre
St James Square
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 0RE
Clinic appointments are primarily at:
The Bladder and Bowel Service
Accrington Pals Health Centre
1 Paradise St
Accrington
BB5 2EJ
With some children's and young people's appointments being available at Burnley General Hospital.
The Bladder and Bowel Service has a Clinical Team Leader, Specialist Nurses and Staff Nurses with support workers and an administration team.
For any general enquiries or advice about our service please contact us via:
Telephone: 01254 735002
E-mail: BladderAndBowelService@elht.nhs.uk
Telephone lines are open 9am till 3pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
Clinics run from 9am till 5pm and are scheduled Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
- After your referral has been received, you may receive an appointment or you may receive self-help management advice.
- If you receive the self-help management, you will be advised to undertake simple lifestyle changes. If these are not effective, you will be advised to contact the service after the 12-week period. Please note this does not delay your care or future appointments.
- When you receive an appointment to attend a clinic, a full assessment will be undertaken and a treatment plan will be put in place individualised to you.
- A bladder or bowel diary, along with any other relevant information and/or health questionnaire will be sent with an appointment for completion prior to assessment.
What happens at the appointment?
- You will need to bring a urine sample and your completed diaries along with any other paperwork as directed in the appointment letter. This is an important part of the assessment.
- Your nurse will take a full medical history from you and will review any current prescribed medication.
- Your nurse may, with consent, scan your bladder. 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 how much urine is in the bladder after going to the toilet.
- If any other examination is required, your nurse will discuss fully and gain your consent beforehand.
- If you would like a chaperone present, please speak to your nurse on the day of your appointment prior to any examination taking place.
What happens after the appointment?
- Your Nurse will, with your consent, write to the referrer and/or your GP updating them of the outcome of your assessment.
- If a prescription is required, your Nurse may prescribe or write to your GP to request.
- If any onward referrals for further treatment have been discussed and agreed your Nurse will complete these and send to the appropriate department.
- Your Nurse may have discussed equipment or containment products with you as part of your management plan.
What to do if symptoms change?
- If you experience problems or your symptoms become worse, please contact the service to discuss with a nurse.
- Should you become unwell after your appointment outside of the service hours you should contact your GP Practice or 111 for advice.
Bladder and Bowel UK
ERIC- The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity