Primary Care and Older People
Continence Service
In September 2019 the Continence Service undertook performing 'Trial Removal of Catheters
(TROCs)' in the community. These are performed across three localities in the Trust, in Ardglass
Health Centre, Bangor Community Hospital and LAGANDOC within Lagan Valley Hospital.
Since commencing these clinics, 54 patients have been seen and 25 have had a successful
TROC equating to a success rate of 48%. For those who failed their TROC where appropriate
'Intermittent Self Catheterisation' has been taught.
The benefits to the patients are that they can have their TROC performed in a location that is
convenient to them. The waiting time for an appointment has been reduced from 12 weeks to
4 - 6 weeks. The patients appreciate the support, time and advice given to them on a one to
one basis. Patients receive three appointments; two on the day of the TROC and a follow up
appointment 1 to 2 weeks later.
Recent patients of the TROC Clinic made the following comments about service provision within
the Patient User Satisfaction Survey.
"Efficient, made the process easy and comfortable.
Very reassuring to know back up help was available if needed".
"Friendliness of staff; could not
have been more helpful
and reassuring".
"Service provision couldn't have
been better - a great Service and
much appreciated".
The Data Quality Support
Officer helps with community
profiling and sets up systems
to audit and evaluate care.
The prototype is being
evaluated regionally and the
data collected to date has
been very encouraging.
Nursing in the other three
clusters within the Multi
Disciplinary Team in the
Downe locality has also seen
some exciting changes.
The Trust has appointed a Clinical Team Lead into each of the areas. This new and exciting role
was introduced to help develop a 'One Team Approach' to care through collective leadership.
The teams are working together to change their working pattern to enhance the One Team
Approach and ensure better continuity of care.
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