Here at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, we provide a service to help with problems of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys and bladder. You can find us at The Royal Oldham, Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield General (Bury).
The Urology team is made up of healthcare professionals who help patients and their families. We support people who have been diagnosed with a problem related to their urinary system. These problems can be serious (like cancer) or not serious (called benign).
Our People
You are in safe hands; a group of healthcare professionals, from consultants to clinical nurse specialists, are here to help you.
We provide care, treatment (with and without surgery), and support for problems affecting the Bladder, Kidneys, Prostate, Testis and Penis.
For your first visit, you will meet a member of the Urology team in a clinic. You might also be asked to have a test to find out what is wrong, before you meet the team. Some of our tests are done in an operating theatre, and you might be asked to visit the Day Case Unit for these. This means you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Your referral from your GP will be looked at as soon as we receive it, and we will arrange the right appointment for your condition.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
We want to make sure you feel as supported and prepared as possible for your upcoming appointment. We understand that this appointment might involve discussing sensitive information, potentially even a cancer diagnosis. You may have questions that you want to ask, write them down and bring them with you, bring a notepad and pen so you can make your own notes too.
Bringing Support
You may wish to bring a relative or friend along for support, especially if you are attending for results of any investigations, you have had either in the Community prior to referral or in the hospital. Having someone with you can make a big difference.
Medications
To help us plan your care, please bring a list of all your current medications with you.
Appointment Length
Depending on the type of appointment, it could last up to 30 minutes. It might take longer if you are having a test done
Running on Time
We always aim to run on schedule, but sometimes appointments may take longer than expected. This is because we want to give every patient enough time to talk through their concerns and ask questions. We appreciate your understanding if there's a slight delay.
Our clinics are in Oldham, Bury, and Rochdale. Should you need an in-person appointment, we'll send you a letter containing all the necessary details.
Our hospitals are conveniently located and have good road and public transport links. We provide on-site car parking, and depending on your circumstances, Free parking is available for patients receiving cancer treatment. Please enquire with the Macmillan Information Centres within the trust for more information and to obtain a permit. Terms and Conditions apply.
- Getting to Bury (Fairfield)- Map/Directions & Parking
- Getting to Oldham - Map/Directions & Parking
- Getting to Salford - Map/Directions & Parking
- Getting to Rochdale - Map/Directions & Parking
After your doctor refers you, you will be seen by a member of our team. This might be at a clinic, or you might be sent straight for a test to find out what is wrong.
These tests, called diagnostic procedures, can include a special kind of picture like an Ultrasound, CT or MR scan, or a procedure like a Flexible cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder) or a Prostate biopsy (a small tissue sample).
Bladder & Bowel Teams (you can self-refer)
Bury
0300 323 0505
Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale
01706 517702
Oldham
0161 621 7104
Salford
0161 206 8692
www.baus.org.uk – British Association of Urological Surgeons
www.macmillan.org.uk – Macmillan support and information
www.prostatecanceruk.org – Prostate cancer information and support
www.actionbladdercanceruk.org – Bladder cancer support
www.kcuk.org.uk – Renal Cancer support
www.orchid-cancer.org.uk – Testicular cancer support