The Western Continence Service offers assessment and help to those who have urinary and faecal continence issues.
Services Offered
Depending on your issues, a continence assessment may involve
- Asking questions about your problem
- Asking you to keep a record of your bladder and/or bowel habits
- Asking you to keep a record of your diet
- Ultrasound of your bladder (this does not involve drugs or any invasive procedure)
- An intimate examination (only if necessary and you agree)
- Urodynamics (a more sophisticated test that would be explained to you and only performed if you agree)
Short term management of your bladder and/or bowel issues:
- Helping you to retrain your bladder
- Teaching you how to strengthen or relax your pelvic floor muscles
- Helping you modify your bowel habits
- Assisting in the education of Good Bladder/Bowel habits
- Advice about daily living with incontinence problems
- Assisting with learning how to self catheterise
- Eligibility assessment for continence aids and appliances programs including:
- Statewide Equipment Program
- Continence Aids Assistance Scheme
- Department of Veteran Affairs funding\
Who May Use the Service?
- Adults, usually over 16 years of age
- People with urinary and faecal continence issues
- Clients usually live in the Cities of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribynong, Wyndham and the Shire of Melton. For those clients wishing to attend the Western Continence Service and live outside of these areas, please contact the service to discuss the most appropriate continence clinic location.
The Western Continence team includes
-
Geriatricians
-
Nurses
-
Physiotherapists
How the Services Operates
- Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm
- Urodynamic testing is performed at Sunshine Hospital on specific days
- Nurse assessments are by appointment either at Sunshine Hospital or, if necessary and appropriate, at home.
- Physiotherapy assessments are by appointment at Sunshine Hospital
There is no fee involved for assessments or testing. Interpreters are always used if needed