HSE launches Donegal continence health service
A community-based continence care service in Donegal to help with bladder health has been launched by the HSE.
A community-based continence care service in Donegal to help with bladder health has been launched by the HSE.
The Integrated Specialist Continence Care Service (ISSCS) is designed to improve the management of urinary incontinence, a condition which affects a third of women, and a tenth of men.
Permanent facilities and clinics will be operated from Letterkenny Primary Care Centre (Scally Place), Inishowen and Mountcharles, improving the quality of life but also reducing hospital visits, GP workload and healthcare costs according to the HSE.
Patient pathways begin at Letterkenny University Hospital with an initial assessment by a GP or the hospital’s urology team. If suitable, patients are referred by the GP to one-stop community clinics staffed by an advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialists, and specialist physiotherapists in pelvic health.
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These professionals conduct in-depth assessments and investigations, with complex cases being referred to Letterkenny University Hospital’s urology team for further review if required.
Teresa Mulhern, an advanced nurse practitioner of the ISSCS, said: “This service is about more than just managing symptoms, it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and quality of life to people living with bladder issues.
“By bringing expert care into the community, we’re making support more accessible and outcomes more effective. Help is available. The ISSCS team is ready to provide expert, compassionate care to support better bladder health and well-being.”