Our specialist service
We are recognised nationally as a specialist paediatric service for urology within the UK. Patients travel from all over the country and internationally to receive treatment for both congenital and childhood-acquired conditions. Each year, our team manages over 4,000 outpatient cases and performs more than 1,000 surgical procedures and day case admissions.
The urology consultant team
We treat all disorders affecting the internal and external genito-urinary systems in children up to the age of 16 years. Our care extends to children with conditions of the external genitalia, such as hypospadias, as well as anomalies involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra that require surgical intervention. In addition, we look after children and young people with cancers of the urogenital tract. Many of these conditions are suitable for laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
The urology consultants are key members of the multidisciplinary team providing the Differences of Sexual Development Service.
The consultant team conduct peripheral clinics at Arrowe Park, Warrington, Countess of Chester, Leighton, Wrexham Maelor, Ysbyty Gwynedd (Bangor), Glan Clwyd, Leighton and The Royal Stoke University Hospitals.
Certain conditions, including phimosis (tight foreskin) in children over 10 years old, Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans, hydroceles, hernias, and undescended testes, are managed by the paediatric surgical team at Alder Hey.
Urology nurse team
The urology nurse team work closely with the consultant team to deliver expert care for children experiencing functional bladder problems, which may arise from issues with bladder storage or emptying. Such difficulties may present as daytime or night-time wetting, urinary tract infections, difficulties passing urine, or pain.
Please note, we do not manage children with primary nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting); these cases are overseen by the school nurse team, children’s community bladder and bowel teams, or consultant paediatricians.
The urology nurse team offers a comprehensive range of assessment and treatment options, including uroflow studies, biofeedback pelvic floor training, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS).
Therapeutic play is integrated into our model of care, with a variety of approaches, such as art therapy, used to engage children and young people. Our urotherapist works alongside the clinical psychology team at Alder Hey to provide specialist support for children undergoing urological treatment.
We care for children with neurological conditions that affect bladder function, such as Spina bifida. This includes supporting children with Spina bifida in using rectal irrigation to manage constipation and soiling. Alongside the urology consultants, we provide holistic care for children undergoing surgical bladder management, including procedures, such as suprapubic catheter insertion, Mitrofanoff procedure and bladder augmentation.
Our team works collaboratively with community bladder and bowel teams and schools to educate and support children with bladder conditions, both at home and in school.
The urology nurse team provides a peripheral clinic at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Urodynamic studies
Some children with urinary symptoms may require a bladder function test known as Urodynamic studies. Children requiring urodynamics will receive an appointment letter, which includes important instructions that must be followed to ensure the appointment proceeds as planned. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in the cancellation of your child’s test.
Prior to the urodynamics assessment, your child will require a three-day course of antibiotics. You will be sent a letter to present to your GP, who will then prescribe the necessary antibiotics. It is essential to commence the antibiotics the day before the scheduled test.
If you require further information, please refer to our information leaflet: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/patient-information-leaflets/coming-to-alder-hey-for-urodynamics/
If you have any queries regarding the Urodynamic studies, please contact the team via email at [email protected].
Research
Clinical research forms a core part of our service, enabling us to discover the best ways to help children and young people with urological problems. The whole urology team facilitates recruitment to local, national and international research studies, including commercial trials. Our current research is focussed on optimising treatment options for bladder symptoms; the main research stream is exploring new drug options, whilst considering the impact of side effects on the children and their families. A further stream is looking into home delivered treatment that avoids medicines altogether. We also conduct patient experience research, which helps shape our service, fosters expertise, and leads to the introduction of new treatments.
Urology transition service
We provide joint nurse and specialist urology doctor transition clinics to support children moving to adult services. Our adolescent urologist at Alder Hey continues care for young people in our partner hospital in Liverpool. This approach promotes greater engagement and involvement from both patients and their families and supports the smooth transition of young people to adult services.
Contact us
Gemma Downey: Pathway Coordinator Urology Nurses
Telephone: 0151 252 5852
Brenda Murray: Pathway Coordinator to Professor S E Kenny, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon & Urologist, Miss H F McAndrew, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, Mrs C Melling, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon & Urologist, Mr A Baird, Consultant Urologist in Adolescent and Reconstructive Surgery and Miss K Prodromou, Urology Fellow
Telephone: 0151 282 4587
Jenna Wilson: Pathway Coordinator to Miss H Corbett Consultant Paediatric Urologist and for urodynamics.
Telephone: 0151 282 4598