Patients 'amazed' by portable bladder scanners

Nursing staff using three new portable bladder scanners say patients have been "amazed and delighted" by them.

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust's charity has paid for the equipment, which can be used in a community clinic or at home.

They use ultrasound to instantly show whether or not the patient's bladder is empty, without the need for an invasive procedure.

Lead nurse Sarah Aungiers said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates, or volunteers for our charity, without which we would not have been able to buy these new scanners, which cost £10,000 each."

Being unable to fully empty the bladder is not uncommon, but it can become serious if left undiagnosed.

"These scanners mean our team of nurses can see and assess patients quickly once a referral has been received," Ms Aungiers said.

"When there is evidence urine is being retained, nurses can discuss possible causes with the patient and either make changes to medication or a referral to the urology service."

Without a scan, the only way to check if the patient's bladder is empty is to insert a catheter and see if any urine drains.

This carries risks and can also be uncomfortable.

With the addition of the three new scanners, the specialist nursing team has been expanded.

"It means many more patients can benefit from the best possible clinical care, and experience overall," Ms Aungiers said.

"We believe assessing this group of patients promptly prevents deterioration and in some cases, hospital admission."

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