New bladder scanner donated for Western Bay

16 September 2005

New bladder scanner donated for Western Bay

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board Regional Continence Service has a new bladder scanner at its disposal to diagnose incontinence problems thanks to a $13,7300 contribution from the Lions District 202-1.

Manager of Ambulatory Care and Support Services, Kerrie Freeman, says that this equipment will be well utilised and appreciated by patients of the service, particularly in the Western Bay.

"Up until recently, the Regional Continence Service only had one other bladder scanner of a similar quality, which is primarily used in the Eastern Bay," says Mrs Freeman.

"This is the first bladder scanner to be used solely for diagnosis of people in the Western Bay."

Regional Continence Nurse, Cheryl Hammond, explains that the bladder scanner is a portable ultrasound that may be used on adults and children either at clinics or in the client's home.

"It assists us to assess, form a diagnosis and then initiate an appropriate treatment plan. It also provides us with a non-invasive means of determining bladder volume measurement/ incomplete bladder emptying while preventing unnecessary catheterisation."

"There is a minimal risk of infection, and a reduced risk of trauma and discomfort to the patient while maintaining the client's dignity," says Mrs Hammond.

The Regional Continence Service provides clinics across the Bay of Plenty for both adults and children who have urinary and bowel problems. The service is confidential and offers a comprehensive assessment, advice, individual treatment plans and a management programme. This is provided by nursing staff who specialise in continence issues and are friendly, supportive and understanding.

Spokesperson for the Lions District 202-1, Brian Cotter says that once the Lions got over the rather unglamorous name of the bladder scanner and realised the importance of the small but costly device they immediately began fundraising.

Following the basic concepts of Lionsim, 'A group can achieve much more than one individual for the betterment of our fellow beings,' and recognising that the machine would be utilised by a very large geographical area, 12 Lions clubs from throughout the Bay of Plenty got together to pull funding together over a two year period.

ENDS

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