The Continence Advisory Service
- Introduction
- About the Service
- Referrals
- Home Visits
- Advice and Teaching
- Nursing and Residential Homes
- Carers Involvement
- How to contact the service
- Where are the services
- Useful Documents
Introduction
Over three million people in the UK have
problems with urinary incontinence. The
problem has been described as the “thief
of dignity” by those who suffer from it.
You can be assured, though, that help is
available. It is important to know that,
given time and patience, a great deal of
problems with incontinence can be cured
or at least improved.
The first step is to seek professional advice
and support from any of the following: your
family doctor, a practice nurse, district nurse,
school nurse, health visitor or specialist
continence advisor. In all cases, you should
know that the continence advisory service
is here to help you. The service is confidential
and is tailored to meet your individual needs.
About the service
A team of continence advisors cover most
of Dorset. The service itself is based in
Dorchester town centre. Please call the
telephone number below
for details about your local clinic.
Referrals
An open referral system is operated, which
means that anyone can ask for help from
continence advisors without needing to be
seen by their GP.
Referrals are also accepted from a range
of health care professionals including GPs,
district nurses, practice nurses, occupational
therapists, social services and consultants.
Home visits
Regular clinics are held throughout the north
and south west Dorset region. In special
circumstances, a visit to your home can be
arranged. If there is any reason why you need
a home visit, please ask the continence
advisory service.
Advice and teaching
The continence advisors are keen to share
their knowledge and experience with other
health professionals and carers. They will
provide support and teaching to groups of
staff or carers in the health services or in
community-based services.
Nursing and residential homes
Advice and support is also available for the
private care sector, including nursing and
residential homes in Dorset, as well as other
groups interested in this speciality.
Carers’ involvement
As well as helping those affected by
continence problems, continence advisors
also offer support and advice to carers.
Please do not hesitate to contact the service
for advice and further information for carers.
How to contact the service
For further information, or to book an
appointment, please telephone the continence
advisory service. If needed, you will be given
directions as to how to reach the clinic in your
nearest town.
Where are the services?
The continence advisors are based at the continence advisory service in Dorchester.
Clinics are held at:
- Blandford
- Bridport
- Dorchester
- Gillingham
- Sherborne
- Weymouth
Please call the continence advisory service
for an appointment at any of these clinics
Continence Advisory Service
The Atrium Health Centre
No 7. Weymouth Avenue
Dorchester
Dorset DT1 1QR
Telephone: 01305 259978
Fax: 01305 257163
Office Hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)