Continence Service
Summary Points to Remember

This service promotes continence through assessment, management advice and education.
Do you experience difficulty with bladder or bowel control?
Difficulty with bladder or bowel control is called incontinence. It affects people of any age, gender,
culture or socioeconomic background. With the right care incontinence can be treated, more
effectively managed and often cured.
What Is the Continence Service?
The Melbourne Health Continence Service aims to promote excellence in the care of those who
experience continence problems of all types and degrees. We aim to help you manage your
continence independently and improve your quality of life.
What will happen at the clinic?

Comprehensive assessment including diagnosis of underlying issues and various medical
investigations (eg Uroflowmetry, Bladder Ultrasonography or Fluoroscopic Urodynamic
Investigation*)
 Conservative management strategies such as bladder retraining, pelvic muscle rehabilitation
(including biofeedback and electrical stimulation*), bowel management, toileting programs,
advice on use of continence aids and appliances and catheterisation techniques
 Advice on daily living with incontinence problems
 Applications for financial assistance for provision of continence aids
 Referral for surgery if appropriate
 Liaison with other service providers if appropriate
*Ask your GP and/or another health professional to provide more information on these treatment
options if required.
Who will I see?
Our team comprises specialists in continence and aged care from different backgrounds. It includes:
 Continence Physicians
 Continence Nurse Advisors
 Specialist Physiotherapists
The team has strong links with the urology and aged care services within Melbourne Health.
Who is eligible?
Anyone over 18 years of age who is experiencing bladder or bowel problems including urinary and
faecal incontinence. We generally see people who live in the Local City Council Areas of Melbourne,
Moreland and Hume but may accept referrals from other areas after discussion.
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How much does it cost?
There is no charge for this service. It may be recommended that you pay for continence aids and
appliances if you are not eligible for a continence funding scheme.
Some specialist equipment is available for loan (eg enuresis alarms andelectro-stimulation equipment)
if they are recommended as part of a monitored treatment program. A deposit of $20 applies to such
equipment. This will be fully refunded when the item is returned in working order.
How do I arrange an assessment?
Referrals can be made via the Direct Access Unit (see details at bottom of page).We accept referrals
from any source including GPs, family, carers, case managers and self-referral.
How do I get there?
The Continence Service is based at:
Clinical Centre – Building 17
RMH Royal Park Campus
34-54 Poplar Road
Parkville 3052
Taxis can drop you off at the front of the Clinical
Centre, RMH - Royal Park Campus.
Car Parking is available at a cost of $7 payable
on exit with coins only. Disabled persons’ parking
is available close to the Clinical Centre. Enter via
Poplar Rd via Gate Four.
In some instances we can arrange for an
assessment at home or in the community. The
Continence Service team are also able to review
people who have been admitted to the RMH Royal Park Campus wards if needed.
Links
The National Continence Helpline Ph: 1800 33 00 66 www.continence.org.au
Free, confidential advice about bladder & bowel problems, referrals, brochures & product information.
Contact
Practitioner / Patient notes
Direct Access Unit
Ph: 8387 2333
Fax: 8387 2217
DAU – RMH Royal Park Campus
PO Box 7000
Carlton South 3053
RMH Royal Park Campus
Clinical Centre Reception
Ph: 8387 2194
Sub-acute Ambulatory Care Services (SACS) | SACS01.02B| SACS Manager | Reviewed Dec 2014
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