A pioneering project led by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is set to transform the care of immobile female patients through the development of the UniWee (trademarked).
The Uniwee is a simple yet groundbreaking device designed to provide a dignified, pain-free method of urination while seated or lying down.
Spearheaded by Emergency Department and Trauma and Orthopaedic teams, the initiative brings together a coalition of healthcare professionals from NHS Trusts across the South West, including South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.
The UniWee is an adapted version of the traditional male urinal bottle, featuring a wider opening to accommodate female anatomy.
The UniWee is an adapted version of the traditional male urinal bottle
This cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution is designed to reduce patient discomfort, avoid unnecessary movement, and ultimately enhance the patient experience, while also helping to save valuable clinical time.
In recognition of its potential, researchers have launched a formal study to evaluate the device's acceptability among patients and healthcare staff and explore its integration into routine NHS care.
The project has already attracted the backing of NHS Supply Chain and OmniPac, the manufacturer of male urinal bottles.
With the support of the Trust, OmniPac has developed initial prototypes and is preparing to increase production, with ambitions to roll out the device across NHS facilities nationwide.
The project has already attracted the backing of NHS Supply Chain and OmniPac
Dr Siân Thomas, Emergency Doctor and Chief Investigator, said: "We are thrilled to take this project further. Our future studies will explore how the UniWee™ can reduce catheter use and improve bladder care for patients. By gathering evidence, we hope to ensure that more patients and clinical teams benefit from this simple yet transformative solution."
The next stage of the project will involve extensive patient and public involvement to ensure the UniWee continues to meet the evolving needs of those it is designed to support.
With production scaling and national rollout on the horizon, the UniWee marks a significant step forward in patient-centred innovation and improved standards of care within the NHS.
Top image: UniWee