Countess of Chester celebrates success of ‘one-stop’ urology clinic

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is marking a successful first year for its new urology clinic, which has transformed care for patients with urinary tract issues.

Opened in November 2023, the ‘one-stop’ clinic has reduced waiting times, cut follow-up appointments, and enabled faster treatment planning.

The clinic consolidates all essential tests and consultations into a single visit, addressing a longstanding issue where patients previously needed multiple appointments before a treatment plan could be developed. Consultant Urologist Pavlo Somov highlighted the significant impact the clinic has already made.

“We are really pleased with how successful the clinic has been so far, and there have been lots of benefits for patients,” said Mr Somov. “With its streamlined care and reduced waiting times, we hope the new clinic has really helped patients regain comfort and confidence.”

The clinic has also reduced the need for catheters, allowing some patients to avoid prolonged usage. Additionally, by conducting diagnostics and providing treatment advice on-site, the hospital has been able to discharge patients back to their GPs or schedule surgery much sooner.

The initiative aligns with the Trust’s broader goal of improving patient experiences and outcomes. “The advancements and innovations underway to improve and speed up care and treatment will help us to provide top-quality care to our patients,” Mr Somov added.

The facility offers specialised treatments, including UroLift, a minimally invasive procedure under local anaesthetic to alleviate symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction without the need for major surgery. The Trust plans to expand its services to include iTind, another minimally invasive option for non-cancerous prostate enlargement, which allows faster recovery and avoids the use of operating theatres.

The clinic’s success reflects the Trust’s commitment to delivering high-quality care as part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System, serving patients across West Cheshire and North Wales.

By integrating advanced technology and streamlining processes, the Countess of Chester Hospital is setting a new standard for urology care, with plans for further innovations on the horizon.