💧 Bowel and Bladder Support: Oldham Continence Service
Bladder and bowel issues are incredibly common, but many people suffer in silence for years out of embarrassment.
In Oldham, you can access specialist, highly sensitive care through the Continence and Stoma Service (delivered in the community by Lancaster House Consulting and Diagnostics). This service is here to help you regain your confidence, dignity, and control. 🧻
🩺 What Does the Service Offer?
The service is run by a dedicated team of specialist continence and stoma nurses. They provide comprehensive, holistic assessments and personalized treatment plans, which can include:
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🎒 Stoma Care & Support: Specialist management for new and existing stoma patients.
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💧 Bladder & Bowel Retraining: Practical lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and habit retraining.
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🔌 Catheter Management: Guidance, sheath fittings, and community Trial Without Catheter (TWOC) clinics.
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📦 Continence Products: Assessment and prescription of appropriate containment products (like pads, urinary sheaths, and drainage bags) if your condition cannot be fully resolved.
🤝 How to Access the Service
Getting in touch is simple. You do not always need a GP appointment to be referred—you can contact them directly or ask our surgery to put you in touch.
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📞 Phone: 0161 621 7104
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📍 Location: The service holds community clinics across Oldham, including at the Glodwick Primary Care Centre and other community health hubs.
📝 What to Expect at Your First Appointment
To give you the best possible care, your first assessment will take about an hour and may involve:
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📋 A Detailed Medical History: The nurse will ask about your symptoms, fluids, diet, and any medications you are taking.
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📝 A Bladder/Bowel Diary: You may be asked to keep a simple chart for a few days, tracking how much you drink and when you use the toilet.
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🔍 Physical Check (With Consent): Depending on your symptoms, the nurse may offer a non-invasive ultrasound scan of your bladder to see how well it empties, or a physical examination. A chaperone is always available if you would like one.
🧺 Oldham Incontinence Laundry Service
For patients dealing with severe incontinence, Oldham Council also provides a dedicated Incontinence Laundry Service to help you manage at home.
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What it is: A service that collects soiled sheets, draw sheets, and pillowcases from your home once or twice a week, professionally launders them, and returns them clean.
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How to get it: This service requires an assessment. Please contact your local District Nurse or ask our GP team to assist you with a referral.