The BioMed Centre
The BioMed Centre was established in 1998, within the Bristol Urological Institute (BUI), with the purpose of improving the continence management of older and disabled people. With our collaborators, we aim to raise the profile of this common but hidden aspect of healthcare by:
- engaging in a collaborative research programme to further scientific and medical understanding of the condition.
- reducing the recurrent complications of long-term catheterisation through the design and development of a new range of user-friendly devices and improved treatment protocols.
- creating a database of people with long-term catheters to involve users in research and innovation, improve their access to clinical trials and gather information that will lead to a better understanding of their needs (conforming with Data Protection Act 1998).
- promoting continence training for healthcare professionals
The BioMed centre can provide a wide range of services to others interested in reducing the burden of intractable urinary incontinence:
The BioMed catheter clinic
We provide a specialist, modern, patient-centred clinic for people with long-term indwelling catheters. The clinical rooms, situated on the lower ground floor of the BUI, provide excellent facilities for the assessment of patients, with easy access for those in wheelchairs. Patients receive expert attention and advice with full liaison with personal and professional carers as required.
Research resources for clinical trials
We have more than 5 years experience in conducting clinical studies and early stage clinical trials, particularly for the testing of novel technologies and devices. With an extensive network of health professionals we are able to mobilise recruitment from the community or acute care setting. Where appropriate, patients involved in clinical trials are treated in our clinical facility.
Modern research laboratories
The newly equipped laboratories housing in vitro bladder models and analytical equipment enable microbiological and analytical research and testing to be undertaken on existing and new technologies, devices and materials.
Education and training facilities
The seminar room, within the BUI, offers state-of-the-art facilities for small conferences, education and training for up to 50 people. Two smaller rooms for up to 9 persons are also available for training and meeting purposes. Health professionals and industry have access to a wide range of standard and bespoke training programmes run through the BUI.
Advice and consultancy
Clinical and scientific experts with national or international standing in a field of urinary incontinence are associated with the BioMed and the BUI, and are able to offer consultancy services.
The Team
Ms Adele Long, Director of the BioMed Centre and HTC.
Professor Roger
Feneley, Chairman of the BioMed HTC. Professor Feneley is a retired consultant
urological surgeon who has a lifelong interest in helping people who suffer
from long-term incurable incontinence. He established the BioMed Centre.
Mr Anthony Timoney, Clinical Lead. He
is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Southmead Hospital.
Dr David Stickler, Research Director, he is a reader in the School
of Biosciences at Cardiff University.
Dr Nicola Morris, Senior Research Manager. Nicola has over 10 years research
experience in the microbiology of catheter encrustation and its associated
complications.
Mr Azhar Khan, Clinical Research Fellow in Urology for BioMed.
Mrs Sarah Fowler, Research Associate. Understanding the needs, quality of life and costs of long-term catheterisation.
Mrs Angela Hogg, Research Associate. Incontinence in older people: is there a link to social isolation?
Sister Deborah Rigby, Nursing Lead. Debbie has been a continence nurse specialist
for 17 years.
Mrs Andrea Moore, Research Nurse for BioMed
Mr Nick Urch, Administration
Clinical Advisory Group
Ms Adele Long (Chair)
Professor Paul Abrams (Director of the BUI, Consultant Urological Surgeon)
Professor Roger Feneley, Chairman of the BioMed HTC. (Joint Lead for Elderly
Group)
Mr Anthony Timoney, Consultant Urological Surgeon, BUI (Joint Lead for Elderly
Group)
Mr Marcus Drake, Consultant Urological Surgeon, BUI (Joint Lead for Elderly
Group)
Mr John Reynard, Consultant Urological Surgeon Oxford (Lead for Spinal Injury
Group)
Sister Deborah Rigby, Urology Sister. Bristol South and West PCT