To highlight Catheter Care Awareness Week, Epsom and St Helier hospitals will be hosting a drop-in event for catheter users and their carers at Banstead Community Hall today. 

The event will hold talks about travelling with a catheter and advice on how to prevent infection and managing emergencies. 

Chief Nurse, Charlotte Hall said: “A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine, and they are probably more common than you might think. 

“Living with a catheter can take some getting used to, and patients do need to take some steps to look after them. That’s why we are absolutely delighted to be hosting this drop-in session.”

Associated problems with urinary catheters are urethra or bladder infections. 

Such an infection, known as a “catheter associated UTI or CAUTI”, can be painful. 

The Chief Nurse added: “As healthcare professionals, we know that some people might feel a bit embarrassed about talking about their catheter and coming forward with any issues, but by speaking about catheter care and sharing information and advice, we can help to stop any issues before they develop into something more serious.”