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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Catheter Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides safe, effective, and dignified catheter care to residents who require urinary catheterisation. This policy outlines best practices for catheter insertion, maintenance, monitoring, infection prevention, and removal in accordance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, NICE Guidelines, and the Infection Prevention and Control Standards for Care Homes. Our goal is to support residents’ comfort, dignity, and independence while minimising risks associated with catheter use. By adhering to this policy, we ensure that all staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality catheter care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members involved in catheter care at {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, nurses, and external healthcare professionals. It covers indwelling urinary catheters, intermittent catheters, and suprapubic catheters, ensuring compliance with infection prevention, skin integrity monitoring, and resident safety protocols. This policy also applies to family members and advocates who may need to understand catheter management to support their loved ones. The scope includes resident education, care coordination, and emergency response planning for catheter-related complications.

3. Principles of Catheter Care

Assessment and Individualised Care Planning:

• Each resident requiring catheterisation will have a personalised catheter care plan that includes the reason for catheterisation, expected duration, maintenance schedule, and risk assessments.
• Care plans will be regularly reviewed and updated based on residents’ needs and healthcare recommendations.
• Staff will ensure that residents and their families are informed about catheter care procedures, hygiene practices, and signs of complications.
• Multi-disciplinary input will be sought to explore alternative bladder management strategies when clinically appropriate.

Infection Prevention and Control:

• Staff must follow strict hand hygiene and PPE protocols before and after handling catheters to prevent contamination.
• Catheter insertion and maintenance must be performed using aseptic techniques to minimise infection risks.
• Daily catheter site inspections must be conducted to check for signs of infection, leakage, or blockages.
• Residents will be encouraged to maintain adequate hydration, as this reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and helps flush bacteria from the urinary system.
• Catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTIs) must be immediately reported, documented, and treated in consultation with healthcare professionals.

Catheter Maintenance and Hygiene:

• Catheters should be secured appropriately to prevent movement and irritation that could cause discomfort or tissue damage.
• Regular emptying of drainage bags is required to maintain a closed drainage system, reducing the risk of infection.
• Perineal care should be provided at least twice daily and after any episodes of incontinence, using gentle, non-irritating cleansers to maintain skin integrity.
• Catheter tubing and bags should be positioned below bladder level but off the floor to prevent contamination and ensure proper drainage.
• Drainage bags must be emptied when two-thirds full to prevent backflow, which increases the risk of infection.

Monitoring and Early Detection of Complications:

• Staff must be trained to recognise signs of catheter-related complications, including blockages, infections, haematuria (blood in urine), and resident discomfort.
• Residents must be observed for symptoms such as pain, fever, cloudy urine, strong odour, or leakage, and any concerns should be reported to a nurse or healthcare professional immediately.
• Accurate documentation of fluid intake and output is essential for monitoring bladder function and detecting early signs of urinary retention or dehydration.
• Routine urinalysis may be conducted as part of infection surveillance, in line with healthcare guidance.

Catheter Removal and Trial Without Catheter (TWOC):

• Catheters should be removed as soon as clinically appropriate to reduce infection risks and improve bladder function.
• A trial without catheter (TWOC) will be planned for residents who may no longer require long-term catheterisation, with close monitoring of post-void residual urine levels.
• Residents will be observed for urinary retention, incontinence, or discomfort following catheter removal, with prompt intervention if necessary.
• Staff will provide residents with continence management support, including bladder training techniques where applicable.
• Decisions regarding long-term catheter use will be made collaboratively with GPs, district nurses, and continence specialists.

4. Staff Training and Responsibilities

• All staff involved in catheter care must complete mandatory catheter care training, including infection prevention, aseptic techniques, and troubleshooting catheter-related issues.
• Training must include recognising signs of infection, safe handling of drainage systems, and maintaining catheter hygiene.
• Regular refresher training will be provided to ensure staff remain compliant with the latest CIW and NICE guidelines.
• Care teams must maintain clear documentation and communication to ensure continuity of care and timely interventions for residents requiring catheter management.
• Staff must be aware of their professional boundaries and seek clinical support when encountering complex catheter care needs.

5. Related Policies

• CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy

6. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, clinical guidelines, or best practices. Staff feedback, resident experiences, and infection control audits will be used to enhance catheter care procedures. Any updates will be communicated to all relevant staff members.

• Regular clinical audits and risk assessments will be conducted to evaluate catheter care compliance.
• Resident satisfaction surveys and incident reports will be analysed to identify areas for improvement.
• Findings from audits will be used to implement corrective actions and ongoing staff education.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.