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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Catheter Care Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures and standards for providing safe, effective, and person-centred catheter care within {{org_field_name}}. It ensures compliance with Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations and supports best practices in infection prevention, dignity, and comfort for people we support.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All healthcare assistants, support workers, and care staff involved in catheter care.
• Supervisors and management responsible for monitoring and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• People we support who require urethral, suprapubic, intermittent, or condom catheters as part of their care plan.

3. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

• Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland)
• The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (Scotland)
• Care Inspectorate Scotland Guidelines on Catheter Care
• Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice
• Data Protection Act 2018 & GDPR (for handling personal care records)

4. Responsibilities

• Registered Manager: Ensures compliance with regulations and oversees training and competency assessments.
• Care Coordinators: Assign trained staff to catheter care tasks and ensure record-keeping.
• Care Staff: Responsible for following correct procedures and reporting concerns.
• People We Support & Families: Involved in care decisions and educated on hygiene practices.

5. Types of Catheterisation

• Indwelling (Urethral) Catheter: Inserted via the urethra and remains in place.
• Suprapubic Catheter: Inserted via a small surgical opening in the abdomen.
• Intermittent Catheterisation: Inserted as needed, then removed.
• Condom Catheter: External catheter for men, secured with adhesive.

6. Safe and Dignified Catheter Care Procedures

6.1 Infection Prevention and Control

1. Hand Hygiene: Staff must thoroughly wash hands using soap and water before and after catheter care, following the NHS Scotland Hand Hygiene Protocol.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff must wear disposable gloves and aprons before handling catheters and discard them appropriately after each use.
3. Aseptic Technique: Staff must follow sterile procedures during catheter insertion and handling to prevent infections.
4. Cleaning the Catheter Site:
   • Use warm water and mild soap to clean around the urethral or suprapubic site daily.
   • Avoid alcohol-based or scented wipes that may cause irritation.
   • Dry the area gently with a clean, soft cloth.
5. Drainage Bag Management:
   • Keep the bag below bladder level to allow proper drainage.
   • Ensure the tubing is not twisted or kinked.
   • Empty the drainage bag when it is two-thirds full using a clean container.
   • Clean the drainage valve with an alcohol-free wipe before and after emptying.
6. Changing Catheters and Drainage Bags:
   • Follow clinical guidelines for changing catheters, typically every 4–12 weeks, unless advised otherwise.
   • Change leg bags every 5–7 days or sooner if contamination is suspected.
   • Use a closed system to reduce the risk of infection.

6.2 Monitoring and Maintenance

1. Checking for Signs of Infection:
   • Monitor for pain, fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and irritation at the insertion site.
   • Report any symptoms immediately to the Registered Manager and healthcare professional.
2. Ensuring Catheter Patency:
   • Encourage fluid intake (unless contraindicated) to maintain urine flow and reduce blockages.
   • Observe for reduced urine output, which may indicate a blockage.
3. Positioning the Drainage Bag:
   • Ensure the bag is positioned securely below bladder level.
   • Attach the leg bag correctly, ensuring it is comfortable and does not cause skin irritation.
4. Hydration and Diet:
   • Encourage the person to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids per day unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.
   • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.

6.3 Managing Catheter Blockages and Complications

1. Encouraging Movement:
   • Assist the person to change positions frequently to encourage urine flow.
   • Encourage gentle leg exercises if mobility allows.
2. Flushing a Catheter (For Suprapubic Catheters Only):
   • Only performed by a trained healthcare professional using a sterile technique.
   • Use prescribed sterile saline or sterile water.
3. Emergency Escalation:
   • If the catheter is blocked, leaking, or dislodged, contact the healthcare professional immediately.
   • If the person experiences severe pain or bleeding, call emergency services (999).

6.4 Person-Centred Approach

1. Maintaining Dignity and Privacy:
   • Always provide catheter care in a private and respectful manner.
   • Explain each step to the person before proceeding.
2. Reviewing Catheter Necessity:
   • Work with healthcare professionals to assess whether long-term catheter use is necessary.
   • Remove the catheter as soon as clinically appropriate to prevent infections.
3. Education and Support:
   • Educate the person and their family on proper hygiene and recognising complications.
   • Provide leaflets and contact details for further support.
4. Choice and Involvement:
   • Encourage people we support to express preferences regarding their catheter care routine.
   • Where possible, involve them in simple aspects such as positioning their drainage bag.

7. Training and Competency Assessment

• All staff must complete catheter care training before undertaking tasks.
• Annual refresher training is mandatory.
• Competency checks conducted by senior staff to ensure adherence to procedures.

8. Record-Keeping and Compliance

• Daily catheter care logs: Documenting condition, changes, and issues.
• Incident reporting: Any infections, leaks, or problems must be recorded and reported.
• Care plan updates: Reviewed regularly in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
• Audit and compliance checks: Management conducts quarterly reviews to ensure best practices are upheld.

9. Related Policies

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Personal Care Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Incident Reporting and Management Policy

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or clinical guidance changes. {{org_field_name}} is committed to maintaining the highest standards in catheter care for the people we support.

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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}}
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