The team regularly performs flexible cystoscopies, a diagnostic procedure carried out under local anaesthetic that allows direct visualisation of the urethra and bladder using a camera known as a cystoscope.
A key component of the service is the management of patients referred with visible or non-visible haematuria (blood in the urine) through fast-track referral pathways from GPs or other services. Following referral of these patients, Nurse Cystoscopists undertake telephone triage consultations to assess symptoms and obtain relevant clinical information. This enables appropriate investigations and upper urinary tract imaging, such as CT scans or ultrasound scans, to be arranged prior to the patient’s attendance. The team is also responsible for reviewing referrals and prioritising urgent findings.
In addition, the service provides ongoing cystoscopy surveillance for patients with a history of bladder cancer which facilitates the early detection of tumour recurrence and timely intervention.
The Nurse Cystoscopists also perform diagnostic cystoscopies for patients referred from outpatient clinics with lower urinary tract symptoms and undertake ureteric stent removals. Alongside procedural work, the team runs outpatient clinics where they discuss investigation results, arrange further investigations and book surgical procedures. Where appropriate, patients are referred to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to ensure optimal management planning and treatment decisions.
All members of the team are qualified Independent Non-Medical Prescribers, enabling them to prescribe medications within their scope of practice and deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care.
The service also offers specialist treatments, including Transurethral Laser Ablation (TULA), which uses laser technology to treat abnormal bladder tissue, and intravesical Botox injections for patients experiencing overactive bladder symptoms.
Throughout all aspects of care, the Nurse Cystoscopists work closely with the wider urology multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based patient management and is also supported by the urology doctors.