CLCH’s international nurses bring catheter care to the Barnet community 

Internationally recruited colleagues travel from across the world to work and develop their professions at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and one group of international nurses made a particular impact in the Bladder and Bowel Service by enabling consistent catheter care in the community of Barnet.   

A urinary catheter is sometimes necessary for people who cannot empty their bladder in the usual way. In 2023, it was identified that there was a particular need for specialist catheter care service in the locality of Barnet to reduce unnecessary A&E attendances, ambulance call outs, hospital admission and GP visits following issues with catheters. Funded by the North Central London Integrated Care Board, the Bladder and Bowel Service in Barnet collaborated with the NCL Urology Network ​and Royal Free Hospital urology team to design a joined up referral pathway and service to deliver consistent catheter care, including urgent treatment, in local communities.  

In Summer 2024, international nurses recently recruited into the Bladder and Bowel Service teamed together and stepped up to the challenge of delivering this specialist catheter service to those who need it. The nurses were upskilled to pass the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and started to deliver the service, putting this learning into practice.  

Catheter clinics for non-housebound and care home patients, urgent (SOS) support for blocked catheters as well as ‘trials without catheter’ (where an assessment would be made on whether a patient is ready to have it removed) are just some of the services this dedicated team now provides.  

July Jibi, Bladder and Bowel Nurse, who started working at CLCH after relocating from Dubai, said:  

“The transition to a new sector was daunting at first but the support I received from my colleagues and managers has been invaluable in helping me settle and thrive. 

“After joining the catheter team, I faced new challenges as the role was quite different to the one I had before. Everyone has been incredibly patient and willing to help which has made all the difference in my ability to learn and grow in this specialised area.” 

As a result of these international nurses bringing their new skills together to deliver more consistent catheter service, the number of emergency cases referred for management in the community more than doubled since September 2024, saving these patients from unnecessary hospital admission, and improving their healthcare experience.

Mr Andrew, a patient who was cared for by the service, said: 

“I really would have had a very hard time without your help. I can't tell you how much you assisted me in getting through those first couple of months, I am just so grateful.”