Transferring patients with a urinary catheter.

Transferring patients with indwelling urinary catheters from secondary to primary care can be problematic and the process requires careful planning. Both the patient and the healthcare professional taking over the plan of care need details on the reason for catheterisation and plans for ongoing care. Failure to plan transfers, including the provision of appropriate equipment for use at home, can lead to inappropriate care and, on occasion, results in referral back to hospital. Coral Seymour outlines new guidelines to assist nurses in making a discharge plan for these patients.