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

pcess609/Getty Images

By Lucinda Cameron, PA Media

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.

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. 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.