Referrers
Nurse-led surgical continence support pathway, continence assessment and conservative management supporting primary and specialist care across Northland
Continence Care Northland works alongside specialists and GPs to support patients with bladder and bowel dysfunction through structured assessment, education, and practical management.
Clinician
Tina Kusser, RN, CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Urology & Uro-Gynaecology
Tina has over 14 years of experience working in specialist urology and uro-gynaecology services in Switzerland and Aotearoa New Zealand, with a clinical focus on continence assessment, pessary care, catheter management, and patient education.
SURGICAL CONTINENCE SUPPORT PATHWAY
Pre-operative preparation & supported recovery for surgical patients
Continence Care Northland provides nurse-led continence support for patients before and after surgery, helping improve discharge safety, reduce catheter-related complications, and support continuity of care between hospital, specialist services, and the community.
This pathway may support patients who require:
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pre-operative bladder or bowel preparation
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IDC or suprapubic catheter education
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intermittent self-catheterisation teaching
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trial of void support
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early post-operative catheter troubleshooting
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support with post-operative voiding symptoms
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bowel care advice following surgery
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escalation back to the specialist or GP when concerns are identified
SERVICES
• Comprehensive continence assessment and care planning
• Nurse-led pessary care and review
• Catheter care (urethral and suprapubic)
• Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) education and support
• Bladder instillation (prescription required)
• Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
• Patient education and conservative continence management
• Telehealth consultations and follow-up
WHEN TO REFER
• Urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Bladder dysfunction or voiding difficulties
• Pessary care and routine review
• Bowel dysfunction or constipation
• Catheter management or catheter-related concerns
• Intermittent self-catheterisation education
• Pelvic floor or prolapse-related symptoms
• Preparation or follow-up around specialist review
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Continence Care Northland provides nurse-led continence care within the scope of nursing practice.
Medical diagnosis, prescribing, and investigation requests remain the responsibility of the referring GP or specialist.
Where further medical input or investigation is required, patients are referred back to their GP or specialist and liaison is provided with patient consent.
HOW TO REFER
Referrals are welcome from:
GPs • Specialists • Allied health professionals
Referrals can be made via:
Phone: 021 0841 5995
info@continencecarenorthland.nz
If you would like to discuss whether a referral may be appropriate, please feel free to get in touch.