A revolutionary bladder treatment which is helping to change patients’ lives has resulted in an award for staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.
The Brancaster Outpatients Unit has been awarded a Centre of Excellence for its Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation.
The treatment acts as a “reset” button for men and women who are suffering from a range of issues, such as overactive bladder.
A pin is inserted just above the ankle which sends then sends an electrical stimulas to the bladder via the tibial nerve.
Brancaster has been awarded the Centre of Excellence title due to the high standard of care provided to patients undergoing this treatment in a dedicated clinical room.
Urogynecology Specialist Nurse Jane Wolfe said: “We are a small team and over the moon to have received national recognition. We started off with a handful of patients five years ago and now we are treating 40 patients a month.
“Bladder problems can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. In some cases it can have a devastating effect such as relationship breakdowns or someone withdrawing from society. Some patients avoid going to unfamiliar places as they are unsure where the toilets are.
“This treatment can change people’s lives. You see some patients who arrive depressed and not sure the treatment will work but when it does they are thrilled. I have seen some patients go back to work and go out on family holidays and trips, which they hadn’t been able to do previously. That makes my job worthwhile.”
Men and women, ranging from teenagers to pensioners, have an initial course of 12 treatments, which are split into 30 minute sessions a week. At the end of the course, the patient can opt to continue onto maintenance sessions, which are tailored for the individual needs.
The hospital is planning to expand the treatment room in the autumn along with creating a dedicated diagnostic room.
Mrs Wolfe said: “Research shows that women take four years to build up the courage to come to seek help so we want to make it as nice as possible for them when they arrive here.
“We are also hoping to offer this treatment to people suffering from bowel problems.”
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The team is pictured with their award
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