This half-day course provides an essential introduction to catheter and stoma care for staff working in health and social care settings. Learners will gain confidence in supporting individuals who use these appliances, while promoting dignity, independence, and infection prevention.

The training covers why catheters and stomas are used, how to provide appropriate support, and how to spot signs of infection or complications. Practical guidance is included on changing bags, encouraging self-care, and maintaining hygiene. This course is ideal for those new to personal care or wishing to build confidence in incontinence care.

Key Learning

• What catheters and stomas are and why they are used
• The different types of catheters and stomas
• Supporting service users with personal care and promoting independence
• Maintenance routines and monitoring for complications
• Infection prevention techniques
• Recognising common problems and signs of infection
• Communication, dignity and respect in personal care

Incontinence care is a sensitive but important part of supporting people with complex needs. This course offers health and care staff the knowledge and practical understanding to safely and confidently support individuals with catheters and stomas.

Through discussion and practical examples, learners will explore why catheters and stomas may be required, how to provide care that respects individual dignity, and how to reduce the risk of infection. The course introduces different types of catheters (e.g. urethral, suprapubic) and stomas (e.g. colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy), as well as how to monitor outputs, change bags, and identify warning signs of infection or discomfort.

This training reinforces the importance of infection prevention and person-centred care, especially when assisting with intimate tasks. Staff will also gain confidence in encouraging independence and supporting individuals to self-manage their appliances where possible.

The course supports compliance with CQC expectations and strengthens best practice in personal and continence care.

Relevant Standards Covered (by element):

• Care Certificate Standard 3.5 – Supporting comfort and wellbeing
• Care Certificate Standard 5.5 – Encouraging independence in personal care
• Care Certificate Standard 5.7 – Promoting dignity in personal care
• Care Certificate Standard 15.1–15.3 – Infection prevention and control

Open course per person           £97
In-house for up to 6 people     £343
In-house for up to 12 people   £365