Join Epsom and St Helier experts for Catheter Care Awareness event

As part of Catheter Care Awareness Week (20-24 June) experts from Epsom and St Helier hospitals will be hosting a special drop-in event for all catheter users and their carers.

The event, which will take place on Wednesday 21 June from 10am – 12noon in Banstead Community Hall, will feature talks on travelling with a catheter, tips to prevent infection and dealing with emergencies – and all are welcome!

Chief Nurse, Charlotte Hall, said: “A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine, and they are probably more common than you might think. Living with a catheter can take some getting used to, and patients do need to take some steps to look after them. That’s why we are absolutely delighted to be hosting this drop-in session on Wednesday (21June) and we hope to see lots of people there.”

The main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, the kidneys. These types of infection are known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and usually need to be treated with antibiotics. Charlotte added: “A catheter associated UTI or (CAUTI) can be very painful, and in serious cases, can result in a hospital stay. As healthcare professionals, we know that some people might feel a bit embarrassed about talking about their catheter and coming forward with any issues, but by speaking about catheter care and sharing information and advice, we can help to stop any issues before they develop into something more serious.”

The event will take place at Banstead Community Hall, Park Road, Banstead, SM7 3AJ. Free parking is available, and there will be disabled access. The local bus routes are the S1 and 820 (alight at The Woolpack).

If you would like to know more about our event in Banstead on Wednesday 21 June, or anything else related to Catheter Care Awareness Week within our trust, contact Daphne Colpman by email at daphne.colpman@esth.nhs.uk.