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Continence Service

Addressing bladder, bowel and pelvic floor symptoms.

Contact us

0300 123 3167
kentchft.continence@nhs.net

If you need to talk to us about continence products, please contact our product delivery service:

0300 123 1955
kcht.pds@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

If you have any questions about product delivery or need to activate an order, please contact ESSITY:

0345 741 3643
tena.co.uk/order

Who we are

We are a team of Bladder and Bowel Specialist Nurses, Pelvic Health Physiotherapists and Assistant Practitioners with expertise in the care and treatment of bladder, bowel and pelvic health conditions, including pelvic floor dysfunction, continence and incontinence support. We are supported by our administrative team. We offer a service to clients in Ashford, Canterbury and Coastal, South Kent Coast, Thanet and west Kent areas.

Some of the problems we aim to treat are:

  • stress urinary incontinence - leaking urine when you laugh, cough, sneeze or with exertion, for example, walking or running
  • urgency - the feeling of urgently wanting to go to the toilet that is difficult to put off
  • urge urinary incontinence - urgently wanting to go to the toilet and then leaking urine before you get there
  • frequency - needing to go to the toilet more than six to eight times over a 24 hour period
  • overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome - urgency and frequency, with or without incontinence (urine leakage)
  • recurrent urine infections 
  • appliances - we can assist with appliances/fitting of appliances
  • prolapse - this is the dropping down of one of your pelvic organs causing a feeling of heaviness or a bulge from the vagina or back passage
  • faecal urgency - problem of needing to open your bowels without much warning
  • constipation - hard stools, infrequent opening of your bowels, the feeling of straining, and sometimes feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels
  • faecal incontinence - this is an inability to control wind or stool resulting in leakage - this can also be associated with urgency
  • problems following a prostatectomy - after having this procedure the pelvic floor musculature and nerve supply can affect urinary leakage, anal incontinence, erectile dysfunction.

What we do

We provide information, support and professional advice to clients, healthcare practitioners and carers in order to maximize the quality of life for patients. We believe everyone has the right to be continent and have access to the highest standards of care; where symptoms cannot be treated they can often still be improved.

Our Bladder and Bowel Specialist Nurses carry out assessments, urinalysis, bladder scanning, support with medication, anal irrigation, and self-catheterisation and review of treatment for obstructed defaecation (constipation). They also carry out physical pelvic floor assessment where appropriate. Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists treat incontinence and gynaecological dysfunction and post-natal perineal tears, pelvic organ prolapse, post-prostatectomy incontinence, Faecal incontinence and constipation, as well as treating pelvic/vaginal/perineal pain. We use techniques such as physiotherapy exercises, lifestyle advice, biofeedback and electrotherapy.

If you meet the referral criteria, you will be invited to attend an Education session if appropriate to your condition, and will be offered a follow up appointment as required after this. In certain situations, you will be offered an individual appointment with either the Nurse or Physiotherapist in the first instance.

If you do not meet the criteria we may make onward referrals to other services or providers to support you further.

  • Urinalysis
    This is where we test your urine to make sure there are no problems that might be causing your bladder problems such as infection or diabetes.
  • Bladder scan
    This is an ultrasound scan of your bladder to make sure that it is emptying properly.
  • Bladder diary
    This can be useful to fill out to find out how much you are drinking and how often you pass urine. If you have an appointment fill this out before you get there and bring it with you. It is suggested you complete 3 days to get the most accurate information, ideally a mix of home and work days.

Tip: Buy a plastic measuring jug and urinate into this to get an accurate measure of how much your bladder can hold. Record this on the diary. Also measure your favourite cup or mug then you won’t have to keep measuring your drinks.

How do you use this service?

You can ask your GP or healthcare professional to make a referral to our service.

We also accept self referrals; contact us using the details at the top of this page.

Professional advisory sessions

Kent Continence Service are a nursing and physio service that undertake face to face and virtual appointments for referrals to our service, via GPs and the acute trust. We also accept self-referrals.

We are available to support nurses, physios and members of the team with any queries they may have regarding clients under their care.

We provide a phone support service Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday every week.

To access this service, please call 0300 123 3167.

KCHFT recommends the ‘Squeezy’ app

Read more about Squeezy at squeezyapp.co.uk.

However other apps are available and can be found by searching ‘pelvic floor exercises’ or ‘Kegel exercises’.

Pelvic floor education video session

This video will help guide you in understanding your pelvic floor and the function of the pelvic floor in relation to bladder, bowel and pelvic floor dysfunction. It will also support you with present complaints; or could simply be used as a refresher. It can be of benefit to everyone (whatever their pelvic floor problems) and we encourage you to watch it as many times as you like.

For feedback on the video please complete one of the following surveys:

Pelvic floor information for men

This video will help guide men and those with male anatomy to understand your pelvic floor and the function of the pelvic floor in relation to bladder, bowel and pelvic floor dysfunction. It will provide information on common bladder, bowel or pelvic complaints and what you can do about this to help yourself. It can be of benefit to everyone of any age and we encourage you to watch it as many times as you like.

 

Bowel information for men and women

This video presentation is designed for men and women who are experiencing complaints with their bowels. This could be constipation, incomplete emptying, diarrhoea, urgency, or incontinence. The presentation gives advice on lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises that might help your situation.

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Our locations

Broadstairs Health Centre

The Broadway, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2AJ

Our services at this location:

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Churchill Centre

Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NJ

Our services at this location:

Please note there may be be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Deal and Walmer Community Clinic

Bowling Green Lane, Deal, CT14 9UF

Our services at this location

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Dover Health Centre

Maison Dieu Road, Dover, Kent CT16 1RH

Our services at this location:

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

Helpful information for the dental clinic

Dental number: 01304 865556
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed for lunch 1 to 2pm)

Parking: Pay and display car park on Maison Dieu Road
Closest train/tube station: Dover Priory Train
Bus routes: Pencester Road
Taxi rank: No
Is the clinic shown on the map: Yes

Inside the clinic:

Lift: Yes
Bariatric chair: No
Inhalation sedation: Yes
IV sedation: Yes
Other speciality treatments: OPG Clinic
Hoist: Two
Wheelchair access: Yes
Anything else: No

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Exchange House

Thomas Way, Hersden, Kent CT3 4NH

Our services at this location:

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Hythe Clinic

140-144 High Street, Hythe, Kent CT21 5JU

Our services at this location

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital

King Edward Avenue, Herne Bay, CT6 6EB

The UTC at this hospital is run by local GPs.

Community hospital

Please see our Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital page for more details.

Urgent Treatment Centre

Please call 01227 594756 for the UTC.

Daily: 8am to 8pm

X-ray: Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm*

The UTC treats:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Dressings
  • Cuts and wounds
  • Minor head injuries
  • Wound infections
  • Children over one with a minor injury
  • Minor eye injuries and infections
  • Minor back, shoulder or chest injuries
  • Minor burns and scalds
  • Insect and animal bites

The UTC at this hospital is run by local GPs.

Our services at this location

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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St Stephens Health Centre

St Stephen's Walk, Ashford, Kent TN23 5AQ

Our services at this location:

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Tonbridge Community Hospital

Vauxhall Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0NE

Community hospital

Please see our Tonbridge Community Hospital page for more details.

Our services at this location

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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Vicarage Lane Clinic

Vicarage Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1NJ

Our services at this location:

  • Continence Service
  • Podiatry Service
  • Sexual Health

    • All clinic appointments must be booked.

    Phone 0300 123 1678 to make a sexual health appointment. No walk-in clinics are available at this time.

    Monday: 12 to 7pm
    Tuesday: 8.30am to 5pm
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: 1 to 7pm
    Friday: Closed

    Clinic times may change.

Please note there may be other services at this location, including services not provided by KCHFT.

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95%

Friends and Family test (FFT) question - percentage of positive responses

(Survey feedback from July to September 2024)

Your comments

Previous Next

November 2024
QVMH, Herne Bay

I couldn't ask for better or more understanding care. The care I have received has been exemplary.

October 2024
QMVH, Herne Bay

The nurse made me feel at ease and was very knowledgeable about my condition. They made me feel comfortable when talking about a difficult subject. A lovely nurse.

September 2024
Aylesford

Physiotherapist was very informative and had an excellent bedside manner. This helped me to relax and not feel self-conscious.

August 2024
Churchill Centre

The nurse was very compassionate and professional. I felt heard and put at ease. Information explained in a way I understood.

July 2024
Canterbury

A lovely nurse, very patient and empathetic with my answers. I was very nervous but they made me feel relaxed.

June 2024
Ashford

The clinician made me comfortable and was so easy to talk to. I have been given great advice and treated with respect and understanding. The tablets I have been given have completely changed my life. Thank you so much for all your care.

May 2024
Deal Community Clinic

My nurse was exceptionally helpful and explained everything to me so well. She put me at ease and is very knowledgeable about my condition.

February 2024
Virtual

The team has helped me for the last couple of years and helped with getting my diagnosis. Everyone has been very kind and helpful. Would like to thank all the team for their help and support with my condition.

January 2024
Margate

All my concerns have been addressed. So helpful and has honestly changed my life. Thank you so much I wish I had seen her so many years ago. I feel so much better equipped to mange my problems and much less worried.

May 2023
Margate

Jackie was very helpful and has changed my life. I can now go out without worrying that I am going to have an accident.

May 2023
Virtual

Friendly, super helpful and very professional.

April 2023
Canterbury

Jackie the specialist nurse was so kind and really helped me with my dad.

April 2023
Margate

Jackie made me feel very comfortable especially talking about such a private subject. I was reassured and given a good explanation of my problem and what I can do to help it.

April 2023
Broadstairs

The continence nurse was kind clear and appropriately challenging. She listened well and gave me real confidence.

April 2023
Dover

Clear understanding of my problem and how it can be improved.

March 2023
Canterbury

I felt listened too and was given some education so I have a better understanding of my condition. I was also given ways to manage and hopefully improve.

March 2023
Herne Bay

Holi was very friendly and helpful and I felt she showed genuine care as she had at our previous face to face appointment.

March 2023
Margate

Sarah you are excellent, very helpful and knowledgeable. You have helped me so much.

March 2023
Tonbridge

April had been so understanding and caring from the first telephone appointment and during our face to face appointment. She has transformed my life. I'd given up any hope of things changing but she has given me belief in myself.

January 2023
St Stephens Centre

Very good at explaining what is happening. Made me feel relaxed during examination.

January 2023
Dover Health Centre

Professional, friendly, compassionate and understanding. Explanation to problems explained fully.

January 2023
Deal Community Clinic

I found it all very helpful and useful. It was dealt with sensitively.

December 2022
Margate

Life changing for me. I have my confidence back. Thank you.

June 2022
Virtual appointment

I was a bit sceptical I must admit about having the education session, but I think it would be very useful for people including myself!

June 2022
Virtual appointment

A clearly delivered presentation.

June 2022
Virtual appointment

I felt I was given a lot of information and have more understanding of my condition.

May 2022
St Stephens Health Centre

Explained treatment plan in easy to understand language.

May 2022
Whitstable & Tankerton Hospital

The nurse I had (Sue) was so so so lovely and I’ve finally had success in learning to self catheterise ! I’ve been trying since November with no luck and after her success I felt confident to try and eventually managed!

April 2022
Tonbridge Cottage Hospital

Supportive, professional, encouraging. Good advice over several months.

May 2022
QVMH, Herne Bay

Holly was so caring and thoughtful, she explains everything and just does a great job.. a true hero in my eyes.

April 2022
Churchill Centre, Aylesford

The time and attention I received from Kaya was excellent.

March 2022
Canterbury Health Centre

Sharon was kind and knowledgable.

March 2022
Virtual appointment

Rose and Paula have a huge amount of knowledge and are very sympathetic and patient in trying to find the best option.

March 2022
Tonbridge Cottage Hospital

April was very easy to talk to, made me feel completely comfortable and explained everything clearly and in detail making it easy to understand.

February 2022
Exchange House

Jackie was really caring and enthusiastic about wanting to help me find a resolution.

February 2022
Broadstairs

Asked a lot of questions and willing to listen and understanding gave lots of advice .

February 2022
QVMH, Herne Bay

This was a telephone appointment and I was really impressed with the appointment overall. Very poignant questions asked and the nurse was extremely thorough. Excellent.

February 2022
Virtual appointment

Nurse was very supportive and has followed through with referrals.

February 2022
St Stephens Health Centre

Paula was very nice and made things easy to understand. Very pleased with the advice and help given.

January 2022
Exchange House

Nurse was lovely and understanding.

January 2022
Broadstairs

Excellent, thorough and caring experience.

January 2022
Virtual appointment

Sue very helpful and answered all questions and followed up with research.

January 2022
Canterbury Health Centre

The nurse Paula and her colleague were kind very professional and most helpful and gave me much guidance on managing my condition.

November 2022
Hythe Clinic

Paula was very understanding and showed equipment and how to use. Listened to concerns. Easy to speak with.

October 2022
Hythe Clinic

Paula is very patient and understanding of the problems with my continence. Has helped me and I am grateful.

November 2022
Tonbridge Cottage hospital

Sue was very efficient and offered excellent advice. Thank you for taking such good care of me. Couldn't have asked for better. She was so knowledgeable and informative.

October 2022
Broadstairs Health Centre

Holy has been amazing, so well informed and has understood my condition well and advised me. The training and support plan she has developed for me has helped my condition improve.

October 2022
Virtual

Very reassuring, good information and I felt at ease.

September 2022
Deal Community Clinic

The physio spoke kindly and slowly so that I could understand all that she told me. The examination she gave me was very gentle. She did not rush through.

September 2022
Hythe Clinic

Paula is incredible. Very thorough and explained things . I felt very relaxed with Paula and have a clearer understanding.

September 2022
Dover Health Centre

Very helpful and understanding. Received useful advice in a clear concise manner.

September 2022
Deal Community Clinic

The nurse was very nice and explained everything really well to me.

August 2022
Virtual

The lady (Sharon) was very friendly and proactive.

August 2022
Virtual

Informative presentation and a supportive and friendly response to questions.

August 2022
Tonbridge Cottage hospital

Nothing is to much trouble for them. The information they offer is professional, kind and sympathetic.

July 2022
Canterbury Health Centre

Friendly, helpful. Went over and above.

July 2022
Hythe Clinic

Explained well understood problems.

July 2022
Churchill Centre

Paula explained everything and took time to tell my son too.

July 2022
Dover Health Centre

Excellent service, good understanding of my circumstances, clear and concise approach to my problem. Kind and caring assessments on phone and face to face.

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