Insert, secure and monitor urethral catheters

This standard covers the insertion of urethral catheters, including re-catheterisation, following agreed protocols and procedures.  It also covers regular monitoring and care of the urethral catheter after insertion.

It does not include suprapubic catheterisation.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
9. apply standard precautions for infection control and take other appropriate health and safety measures
10. comply with the correct protocols and procedures relating to urinary catheterisation.
11. insert the catheter safely and correctly, according to manufacturer's instructions and with minimal trauma to the individual
12. secure the catheter after insertion according to instructions and adjust it correctly
13. attach the catheter correctly to the appropriate drainage system, confirm it is functioning correctly and measure and record the amount of urine collected immediately after insertion
14. make the individual as comfortable as possible following the procedure
15. monitor the individual's condition, promptly recognise any adverse effects and take the appropriate action
16. check that all catheterisation equipment and materials are functioning correctly and take appropriate action to remedy any problems
17. maintain cleanliness of the catheter and surrounding area through regular hygiene care
18. empty drainage bags and measure and record urinary output whenever necessary and as instructed
19. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
11. the conditions and constraints which might denote who undertakes this procedure and why
12. the anatomy of the male and/or female genito-urinary system
13. the physiology of the genito-urinary system
14. the effects of catheterisation on the individual's comfort and dignity, and ways of minimising any adverse effects
15. how aseptic technique contributes to the control of infection
16. the ethical issues surrounding catheterisation, as applied to males and females
17. the need for chaperones, individual awareness and consent
18. potential adverse effects and appropriate actions
19. the effective methods of providing verbal and non-verbal support and reassurance to individuals
20. the types of catheters that can be used and why you should select the appropriate catheter
21. the local anaesthetic agents available
22. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS8

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Insert, secure, urethral, catheter, monitor, respond

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