New andrology clinic improving patient care in north Norfolk

Phillip Rustin and Stephanie Jeary, NNUH Urology Nurse Specialists

Patients in north Norfolk have been seeing great improvements in their patient care as a result of the new andrology clinic which was introduced last October.

The satellite clinic, which is based on the Cromer Hospital site, occurs once a month and is available to patients for their follow up appointments.

Andrology is the medical specialty that oversees conditions relating to the male reproductive system.  The clinic at Cromer hospital cares for those who have had a prostatectomy surgery, or patients who have experienced sexual health problems caused by diabetes such as erectile dysfunction.

The team can assess the patient, prescribe medication, provide emotional care and if needed, refer to counsellors for further support.

Phillip Rustin, Beverley Williams and Stephanie Jeary, NNUH Urology Nurses have been the driving force for the Cromer Andrology clinic.

Phillip said: “We have had a lot of positive feedback about the clinic. It’s a fantastic service that we can offer to the patients in north Norfolk.”

People can be referred to the clinic in two ways, either by their GP or through a tertiary referral which are made by consultants at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Patients have their first Andrology clinic appointment at the N&N, and the introduction of the Cromer clinic has meant that patients can opt for their follow up appointments to be at Cromer Hospital.

Phillip added: “We’re always looking at different ways that we can enhance the patient care given at Cromer. Sometimes a patient needs an alternative to oral medication, so we’re looking into providing other treatments at Cromer in the near future, such as vacuum devices and demonstrations.”

Iain Young, Operational Manager at Cromer Hospital said: “We’re always looking at how we can improve patient care with introductions of new clinics at Cromer. Our patients are seeing great benefits from this service and we are so pleased that we can offer this andrology service.”

Jo Segasby, Divisional Operations Director said: “The launch of this clinic in Cromer demonstrates our commitment to providing accessible and dedicated service and we’re delighted that patients are benefiting from it.”

Further plans are being discussed in regards to the expansion of the clinic at Cromer Hospital.