Catheter Care Week 2025: Prioritising Safety, Dignity & Best Practice
From 15th to 21st June 2025, Catheter Care Week offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of delivering safe and effective catheter care – particularly in community and home care settings where many individuals rely on support for their continence needs.
At Caremark Barking, Dagenham & Newham, we’re proud to support this year’s national theme: “Safe Access, Better Outcomes.” Our commitment is rooted in empowering individuals who use catheters by minimising infection risks and promoting dignity and independence in their daily lives.
Why Catheter Care Deserves Attention
Improper catheter use or management can lead to serious complications, especially catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). These infections are one of the most preventable yet common reasons for hospital admissions among vulnerable individuals — particularly older adults and those with long-term health conditions.
In our local communities, where many of our clients live with catheters for extended periods, the need for consistent and professional care is vital.
What Good Catheter Care Looks Like
Our carers receive in-depth training on catheter care protocols, based on guidance from NHS England and the NEL ICB Infection Prevention and Control Team, ensuring they’re equipped to deliver care safely and confidently. Our approach includes:
Avoiding unnecessary catheterisation
Catheters are only used when medically necessary, and their use is clearly documented and regularly reviewed.
Promoting timely removal
By encouraging clinical review and prompt removal when appropriate, we help reduce dependency and long-term complications.
Practising aseptic technique
All catheter-related tasks are performed using Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT), with full adherence to hand hygiene and PPE protocols.
Supporting patient empowerment
We promote the use of the NEL Catheter Passport, helping individuals and their families stay informed, track catheter care, and know when to seek help.
To request a Catheter Passport, email: nelondonicb.ipc@nhs.net
Hygiene Starts With Hands
Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection control — particularly during catheter care. Our team routinely undergoes skin integrity checks and receives guidance on proper glove use, effective handwashing, and the use of skin-friendly products like emollients.
Our Local Commitment to Safer Catheter Care
At Caremark Barking, Dagenham & Newham, we take a multi-layered approach to catheter care by:
- Providing daily catheter hygiene support
- Monitoring for early signs of infection
- Offering respite and companionship to reduce hospital visits
- Collaborating closely with local GPs and community nursing teams
- Using hygiene checklists to maintain care consistency
- Prioritising hydration and dignity in care routines
📞 Need Expert Catheter Support at Home?
Whether you’re managing short-term catheter use or need long-term support, we’re here to help with tailored home care services that meet your needs with compassion and expertise.
🔗 Contact Our Team
🔗 View Our Care Services
Together, Let’s Raise the Standard
Catheter Care Week 2025 reminds us that every carer action — from hand hygiene to patient education — plays a role in preventing infections and protecting quality of life. Let’s keep working together to deliver safe, respectful catheter care for every individual we support.
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