A pioneering project from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon aims to improve comfort and dignity for immobile female patients across the UK. The UniWee, a modified urinal device originally designed for men, could cut catheter use and make hospital stays less painful and more respectful for women unable to access standard bathroom facilities.
Historically, female patients needing long-term hospital care faced significant hygiene and comfort challenges. Many require assistance to urinate, often relying on catheters that carry infection risks and discomfort. Staff in the trust’s emergency and trauma units adapted the male urinal bottle for female use. With official recognition and research support, the design has been refined and will be rolled out nationwide through NHS procurement channels.
Findings from the project were published in the Emergency Medicine Journal of the British Medical Journal, marking a meaningful advance in patient care. OmniPac, the maker of the original male urinal bottle, has supported the new design by developing formal prototypes and outlining plans to scale production.
Dr. Siân Thomas, an emergency physician and the study’s lead investigator, expressed optimism about expanding the project. She noted ongoing research to quantify reductions in catheter use and improvements in bladder care. “We are thrilled to take this project further. Future studies will examine how UniWee reduces catheter reliance and enhances bladder management, ensuring more patients and clinical teams benefit from this practical solution,” she said.
The next phase will emphasize patient and public involvement to ensure the device continues to meet users’ needs. Feedback from patients who stand to benefit most will help tailor the product for real-world use.
Although rooted in the UK, the implications resonate globally. In Thailand, high regard for personal dignity and comfort makes such innovations particularly relevant. Thai hospitals could explore local adaptations or similar devices to reduce catheterization rates among long-stay patients, improving both medical outcomes and patient experience.
Globally, caring for immobile patients remains a persistent challenge. Cultural emphasis on respect and dignity in Thailand provides a strong foundation for adopting innovations like UniWee. As Thai healthcare continues to evolve, integrating comparable devices could align modern medical practice with traditional values of maintaining comfort and personal dignity.
Looking ahead, UniWee’s deployment may redefine hospital experiences for women, reducing discomfort and elevating care standards. Thai healthcare leaders can take practical steps: review current practices for immobile female patients, explore similar device developments, and consider partnerships with international researchers to bring innovative solutions to Thailand’s hospitals. This approach would support care that honors both medical needs and cultural expectations.
For more context on the study and its potential applications, research from the British Medical Journal and related clinical discussions provide detailed insights.