Trial boosts hospital's patient options

Patient services at Friendly Society Private Hospital in Bundaberg have been boosted by the addition of a new nurse-led urology clinic.

Based at the nearby Friendlies Medical Suites, it offers an outpatient option for post-treatment care, and frees up space on the hospital wards.

"Being seen in an outpatient setting saves people being admitted to the ward and reduces stress and anxiety for the patient," said The Friendlies' Director of Clinical Services and Patient Safety, Sandy Blake.

"The new service provides expert care and ongoing support for consumers."

Sandra Ilett and Carla Kerr from Community Nurse Service are available weekly on Wednesdays to see patients with bowel and bladder issues as part of the trial service.

"It's run by highly qualified, specialised nurses who can also provide education, support and help," Ms Blake said.

"They'll see people who might need to have a catheter removed, for example, or they might have a permanent catheter and they need education on how to manage it, or if they have an incontinence problem of any sort."

Ms Ilett, who has worked as a continence nurse for 25 years, described the new setup as a 'win-win' for her patients and The Friendlies organisation, which was seeking to trial an outpatient service.

"I previously only provided a domiciliary service where I visited consumers at home," she said.

"Occasionally I come across people who don't want a home visit or it's totally inappropriate to do a home visit, so I started searching for a clinical space that I could use.

"The two opportunities came together and we're now offering the trial in an outpatient clinic."

Launched in 2016, The Friendlies Medical Suites is a three-storey facility, purpose-built for providing consultancy space for specialists, along with easy access to hospital services including radiology, pathology, cardiology, allied health and an emergency department. 

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