Hospital clinic opens to help those with ketamine-related bladder damage

A health board has launched a specialist clinic to help those suffering bladder damage after taking ketamine.

NHS Grampian is also launching a campaign targeting young people to raise awareness about the risks of taking the drug, which can seriously damage the bladder and in extreme cases can result in its removal being the best option.

Health experts warn regular use of ketamine may lead to incontinence while for others it stops the bladder working, and can also make the organ bleed and cause scarring.

While NHS Grampian’s urology service cares for anyone with acute bladder problems, the health board said the Ketamine Bladder Clinic at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will mean patients referred to it with ketamine-related harm receive “optimised care”.

It will also help them access cessation support services as well as specific resources and education.

Meanwhile, a social media campaign targeting 13 to 25-year-olds aims to raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with taking ketamine.

Consultant urologist Justine Royle said: “Our main aim through this new clinic is to help protect people’s kidney function as much as possible.

“There will be easier access to acute care for patients suffering the effects of harm from taking ketamine and we are pulling together all our knowledge and expertise to help address this increasing problem.

“The more we can do to prevent the hugely damaging, life-changing effects of ketamine taking hold in the first place is so important, particularly among young people, so we are also right behind the new public health campaign.

“Early symptoms appear similar to a UTI. For some, it causes incontinence or the need to pee lots, for others it stops the bladder working. It can make the bladder bleed, and cause scarring on the bladder.

“In extreme cases, removing the bladder through major surgery is the best course of action.

“The best thing you can do to help yourself if you have been using ketamine is stop using.”

The “Use Ketamine? Stop And Think” campaign aims to provide clear, non-judgmental information about the potential risks of taking the drug.

It highlights the dangers of mixing substances, taking unknown substances, the long-term impact on physical and mental health, and the dangers of taking drugs alone.

The campaign has been designed by NHS Grampian’s public health directorate, in partnership with the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray alcohol and drug partnerships.

Simon Rayner, who leads the Aberdeen partnership, said: “This campaign is about helping young people make informed choices.

“By raising awareness of the risks associated with ketamine use and promoting access to support, we hope to prevent harm and encourage people to seek help at an early stage.

“Young people with lived experience have told us they wish they had better understood the risks sooner and where to get help.

“This campaign is about providing honest information without judgment.”