For Patients

Helpful links for Children and Families

International Children’s Continence Society

The ICCS is an independant non-profit organisiation which aims to improve the quality of life and the life expectancy for all children with abnormal bladder function. The ICCS website contains useful information for children and families struggling with this problem (click here).

Bedwetting Institute

Based in Sydney, The Bedwetting Institute provides advice and resources to help families tackle bedwetting. Their online shop includes products such as Wobl watches (with vibrating alarms to remind your child to go to the toilet during the day) and a range of bedwetting alarms designed to help your child learn to wake up when their bladder is full.

World Bedwetting Day

The last Tuesday of May each year is world bedwetting day. Launched in 2015, World Bedwetting Day is an initiative of the ICCS and the European Society for Pediatric Urology. It is an initiative aimed to raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals around this common condition.

Night N Day Comfort

Night’N’Day Comfort are based in NSW and produce washable and reusable incontinence products and solutions. Their underwear are designed to look like normal underwear but are highly absorbent and washable. These provide an excellent safety net for kids. Night N Day Comfort also provide mattress and furniture protectors and waterproof bed linen. Products can be ordered from their website.

Incontinence in Confidence

Incontinence in Confidence is an initiative of the Continence Foundation of Australia supported by the Australian Government under the National Continence Program. This new website is designed to provide information and support for teenagers and young adults living with incontinence.

Spina Bifida Foundation Victoria

The mission statement of Spina Bifida Foundation of Victoria is “Helping people living with spina bifida.” The website includes a resources page with helpful factsheets about spina bifida and the role of folate in reducing risk. The page alson includes a link to the foundation’s YouTube channel.  SBFV offers various programs for members with spina bifida to improve fitness, mobility, independence and well-being.

Mitrofanoff Support Australia

A “mitrofanoff” is a surgically created channel which allows patients to pass a catheter to drain their bladder via a stoma (opening) on the abdomen, rather than via the urethra. The mission of Mitrofanoff Support Australia is to establish an organisation for Australia that can positively and pro-actively promote the Mitrofanoff procedure’s medical and health benefits nationally and can provide support to those who have had the procedure.

BEECHAC

BEECHAC stands for Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Cloacal Exstrophy, Hypospadias, Australian Community. This association provides a national support and advocacy group for individuals with these rare conditions and their families.

Links for Adult Urology Patients

Continence Foundation of Australia

The Continence Foundation of Australia represent the interests of Australians affected by, or at risk of, bladder and bowel control problems and act as an advocate for their interests. Their website contains useful information and advice for both adults and children suffering incontinence. Videos and factsheets are available in 30 different languages. A free helpline is also available.

Kidney Health Australia 

Kidney Health Australia is a not–for-profit organisation dedicated to helping people with kidney disease. The organisations mission is “To promote good kidney health through education, advocacy, research and support.” The website provides useful patient information on kidney disease, urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones and kidney cancer as well as treatments for kidney disease such as dialysis. The website also provides support with a forum and community support groups.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

The PCFA is a broad-based community organisation and the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. They provide online information and support for prostate cancer sufferers and their families.

Movember Foundation

From humble beginnings in Melbourne in 2003, Movember Foundation is a charity now tackling men’s health on a global scale. The foundation focuses on three men’s health issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention. The charity has funded over 1200 men’s health projects in 21 countries.

Andrology Australia

Andrology Australia is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and administered by Monash University. Their mission statement is: “Andrology Australia (The Australian Centre of Excellence in Male Reproductive Health) will undertake a program of activities that will enhance the reproductive health of males through community and professional education programs and building the evidence-base and research capacity in male reproductive health.” Main focus areas include:

  • Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction
  • Androgen use and abuse
  • Male infertility
  • Prostate disease including prostate cancer
  • Testicular disorders including testicular cancer

Supply and support programs in Victoria

State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP)
The State-wide Equipment Program is a sub-division of Ballarat Health Services which oversees a number of different ‘assistive technology’ programs. SWEP provides Victorian people who either have a permanent or long-term disability or are frail aged with subsidised aids, equipment and home and vehicle modifications to enhance their independence and facilitate community participation.

National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS is the new way of providing disability support.  It is a nationally based scheme with funding and governance shared amongst all governments. The scheme will provide all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life. For more information, visit the about us section of the NDIS website.

Ostomy Association of Melbourne
This Ostomy Association of Melbourne is a non government self help organisation. The objectives of the Association are to help people to cope with life with a stoma, to provide information and encouragement concerning all aspects of stoma care; to distribute free stoma care appliances and pharmaceutical items, approved by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Commission.