We have launched a new PTNS clinic for patients who suffer with overactive bladders; Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Simulation (PTNS) uses mild electrical pulses to help improve bladder control.

It was launched in our Urogynaecology clinic (based in the Women’s Outpatients Department ) at Queen’s Hospital on Monday 17 October 2022, by our CEO Matthew Trainer, with the first patient, who has been affected by an overactive bladder for the last seven years, receiving an initial session.

She said: “It’s hard to live with this problem. I want to be able to go out with my family again without having to worry about my bladder.”

PTNS consists of weekly sessions for 12 weeks lasting 30 minutes each. During treatment, a device is placed just above the patient’s ankle and a small needle attached sends mild electrical impulses up the nerves in the leg, to those which control the bladder.

Over the next year, we plan to roll this out to offer 300 sessions, improving the lives of around 25 patients.

Roopa Nair, our Specialty Lead for Women’s Health, said: “Offering this treatment will make a huge difference to the lives of our patients who suffer with overactive bladders. 

“Studies have shown how effective it is, with 80 per cent of patients seeing their symptoms improve. It will also help those patients where other treatments have failed.”

Having this service in our hospital will mean our patients can receive the treatment they need in one place, rather than being referred elsewhere.