We’re here to support you to feel confident and comfortable in managing your catheter. On this page, you’ll find simple advice, who to contact when you need help, and guidance to keep you well at home.

We have one simple number for you to call if you need help or have concerns about your catheter.

Call iSPA on 01926 600818 (option 1).

If it is a routine concern about your catheter, they will inform a member of your District Nursing Team and a member of that team will call you back. 

If your concerns are more urgent, such as a blocked catheter, and its between 8am and 8pm they will inform the Urgent Community Response (UCR) team who covers your area and they will be in touch

If you are concerned about your catheter overnight (between 8pm–8am) a member of our Rapid Response team will contact you.

It is important that you ensure you have adequate catheter supplies and we recommend the quantities below to be available in your house.

Items are re-ordered via your GP or preferred Dispensary Appliance Contractor.

Amount

Catheter Equipment

When to reorder

3

Individual Catheters (your size is on your prescription or in your catheter passport)

Replace as used

3

Tubes of anaesthetic/ lubricating gel

Replace as used

3

Cath-It: insertion/removal packs

Replace as used

3

boxes

10: single use night bags (30 in total)

Monthly or when 5 left

1 box

10: reusable catheter leg bags

Every 2 months or when 2 left

1 box

5: catheter retaining straps These can be washed & re-worn

Every 6 months

Please bring your catheter passport and any equipment required as mentioned above, to your clinic appointment.

Alcester Catheter Clinic

Alcester Primary Care Centre, Fields Park Drive Alcester, B49 6QR.

Atherstone Catheter Clinic

Atherstone Clinic, Long Street, Atherstone, CV9 1AX

Bedworth Catheter Clinic

Bedworth Health Centre, High Street, Bedworth, CV12 8NQ.

Leamington Spa Catheter Clinic

Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital, Heathcote Lane, Heathcote, Warwick, CV34 6SR.

Nuneaton Catheter Clinic

Hartshill Health Centre, Sidhu Close, Hartshill, Nuneaton, CV10 0GQ.

Rugby Catheter Clinic

Orchard Centre, Lower Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV21 3SR.

Shipston Catheter Clinic

Ellen Badger Centre, Ellen Badger Hospital, 2nd Floor, Stratford Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4AX.

Southam Catheter Clinic

Southam Clinic, Pendicke St, Southam, CV47 1PF.

Stratford Catheter Clinic

Stratford Hospital, Building 2, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6NX.

 

Issue

Possible Cause

Suggested Action

My catheter has come out

It may have been accidentally pulled or caught or the small balloon that keeps your catheter in place has deflated.

Use a catheter retaining strap to prevent pulling.
Call iSPA on 01926 600818 (option 1) to arrange reinsertion.
If you have a suprapubic catheter, go to A&E immediately.

 

Bladder spasm

Possible infection, blockage, irritation, a neurological condition, constipation or caffeine.

Contact your healthcare professional. Medication may help.

 

Pain, burning, cloudy or smelly urine / debris

Possible infection.

Ensure the drainage bag does not touch the floor. Drink at least 1.5L unless restricted- see link to fluid matrix.  Ensure good hand hygiene every time you touch the catheter. Maintain personal hygiene twice a day. Use a catheter bag stand. Always maintain a closed system - refer to your catheter passport or Life with a catheter leaflet. Contact your GP.

 

Catheter leaking

Kinked tubing, bladder spasm or catheter tip touching bladder wall.

Straighten tubing.
Leave small amount of urine in bag when emptying.
Gently rotate catheter.

No or little urine draining

Debris blocking catheter, constipation, kinked tubing, bag too high, low fluid intake.

Increase fluids unless restricted.
Reduce high milk intake if advised.
Check tubing and bag position.
Keep an eye on your bowel habits using the link to the Bristol Stool Correct Sitting Position if helpful  - if constipated increase fluid if can and eat food high in fibre, discuss with your GP or pharmacist if symptoms continue
If uncomfortable and no urine drains, call iSPA 01926 600818 (option 1).

Blood in urine

Infection, trauma, underlying condition.

Increase fluid intake if able.
Use retaining straps.
Contact healthcare professional or GP.

Cannot attach night bag

Connector may have been removed accidentally.

Replace the leg bag with one that has a connector attached.

Life with a Catheter

An Overview Of Catheter Problems | Bladder & Bowel Community

Warwickshire Hydration Partnership Poster 1

Warwickshire Hydration Partnership Poster 2

Fluid Matrix Poster

The below video is a helpful guide for your catheter management that our colleagues at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust have put together.