What does the continence advisory nurse do?

Many of the HSE areas and large hospitals offer continence advisory services run by a specialist nurse. This is a very useful service and offers plenty of time for discussion of all aspects of an incontinence. Continence nurses may also be attached to your local hospital or clinic.

The continence nurse has special knowledge and expertise about continence problems and their management. They provide education to clients, carers and health professionals.

There is usually open access to continence promotion clinics and details can be found by contacting your local HSE area. People can also be referred by GPs, practice nurses or public health nurses.

The services are for people who have all types of incontinence.

At the clinic a detailed assessment is carried out. This will include questions about the nature of your problem and the symptoms. A urinalysis will be carried out and bowel history if appropriate.

Other issues will be reviewed such as where you have had surgery or have another medical condition, your current medication, emotional aspects, and mobility problems.

Where appropriate, the continence nurse may refer for specialist advice. Urologists, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, dietitians and occupational therapists all have a role in treating various types of incontinence.

The continence service can give guidance and advice on issues such as:

• Readjusting fluid intake
• Bladder retraining
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Individualised toileting programmes
• Bowel programmes
• Self catheterization
• Catheter management
• Medication review
• Environment changes
• Counselling and advice
• Electrotherapy

Useful contacts:

• Health Service Executive- Eastern Area
• Continence Promotion Unit. Phone: 01 6352775

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