Alder Hey has opened a specialist clinic for children and young people with complications from ketamine use. The multi-disciplinary clinic is the first of its kind in the UK and has been set up in response to a significant rise in young people presenting with ketamine-induced uropathy, also known as ‘Ketamine Bladder’.
“Ketamine bladder syndrome is a very serious problem associated with chronic ketamine use. It can lead to significant pain and long-term health consequences. Over the past few years, we have seen an escalating number of children and young people referred to Alder Hey with bladder symptoms. The symptoms can affect them for their whole life as ketamine use can result in damage to the bladder wall, including ulceration and fibrosis. The effects can be irreversible and can result in chronic bladder pain, incontinence, and in worst case scenarios, might necessitate removal of the bladder or kidney dialysis. This is entirely preventable, and we want to support children and young people to understand the dangers of this drug and prevent any further damage.”
Ms Harriet Corbett, Consultant Paediatric Urologist at Alder Hey
Children and young people under 16 who are referred to the clinic will benefit from care provided by a specialist urology team (who will treat the physical effects the drug has had on the urinary system). alongside a Consultant in Paediatric Public Health Medicine who will provide further support and, where appropriate, include other relevant community services in the young person’s ongoing care.
Professor Rachel Isba, Consultant in Paediatric Public Health Medicine at Alder Hey and Professor of Children and Young People’s Health at Lancaster University’s Medical School, explains:
“Treatment is certainly not a quick fix and ketamine can affect these young people’s mental health as well as physical health. My role in the clinic will be looking at ways to work with the young person to help them stop using ketamine altogether. The clinic will offer non-judgemental support and referral into community drug services where appropriate. We will provide a safe space for them to talk and work together to develop a plan.”
Ketamine abuse in children and young people is on the rise. An anonymised 2023 survey of more than 13,000 secondary school children from 185 schools across England reported 11% of 15-year-olds had been offered ketamine at some point. The same study, conducted for NHS England, suggested the use of ketamine among schoolchildren had more than doubled in the last decade from 0.4% in 2013 to 0.9% in 2023. (Source: Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people – BBC News).
This new clinic reflects Alder Hey’s vision of creating a healthier, happier and fairer future for all children and young people. By working in partnership with them to co-design services and personalise their care, Alder Hey are not only treating illness but also helping to prevent it, empowering every child to achieve their full potential.
Please note
The new specialist clinic is for CYP with bladder symptoms thought to be due to repeated ketamine use.
What to do if you have a child/young person (CYP) known to be using ketamine:
1. Direct them to the ‘Talk Frank’ website
2. If the CYP has persistent bladder symptoms, then a medical professional can refer them to the specialist clinic via a referral to the urology consultant team
3. If the CYP does not have bladder symptoms but is using ketamine and needs help, then please contact their local community drug and alcohol services who can signpost them
Please do not contact the urology nurse team unless the patient is already known to them.