Continence Service Brochure
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Our Continence Service care for people who experience continence problems of all types and degrees.
We aim to help you manage your continence independently and improve your quality of life.
What will happen at the clinic?
We provide the following services:
- Comprehensive assessment including diagnosis of underlying issues and various medical investigations
- Conservative management strategies such as bladder retraining, pelvic muscle rehabilitation, bowel management, toileting programs, advice on use of continence aids and appliances and catheterisation techniques
- Advice on daily living with incontinence problems
- Applications for financial assistance for provision of continence aids
- Referral for surgery if appropriate
- Liaison with other service providers if appropriate
Who will I see?
Our team comprises specialists in continence and aged care from different backgrounds including:
- Continence physicians
- Continence nurse advisors
- Specialist physiotherapists
The team has strong links with the Urology and Aged Care teams at the RMH.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for this service. It may be recommended that you pay for continence aids and appliances if you are not eligible for a continence funding scheme.
Some specialist equipment is available for loan if they are recommended as part of a monitored treatment program (eg enuresis alarms and electro-stimulation equipment). A deposit of $20 applies to such equipment. This will be fully refunded when the item is returned in working order.
Who can use our services
Anyone over 18 years of age who is experiencing bladder or bowel problems including urinary and faecal incontinence.
We generally see people who live in the local city council areas of Melbourne, Moreland and Hume but may accept referrals from other areas after discussion.
How to access this service
We accept referrals from any source including GPs, family, carers and case managers.
You can also refer yourself to the service by contacting the Direct Access Unit.
If your GP refers you, they will fax your referral to the hospital. Once we receive the referral, we will send you a letter.
If there is a waiting list, you'll be advised what to do in your letter.
Keep a copy of your referral, so you can easily ask your GP to renew your referral if you need to.
Clinics
| Continence Service | Royal Park Campus | Clinical Centre Reception, Building 17 | MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI |
What to bring
Every time you come to hospital
Every time you come to hospital for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:
- Medicare card
- Health Care card (if you have one)
- Concession card (if you have one)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
- X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)
For a clinic appointment
If you come for a clinic appointment, you should also bring:
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- Your appointment book
In a medical emergency, call 000. If you are feeling unwell, see your local GP or go to your local hospital Emergency department for help.