A health campaigner who has undergone 14 operations in 10 years has backed a new campaign to combat avoidable infections.

Inspirational Anna Cooper said the special passport offered by Betsi Cadwaladr would enhance communication and catheter care for almost 2,000 people who rely on the devices throughout North Wales.

The 28-year-old, from Wrexham, had an in-dwelling catheter for nearly two years as a result of treatment linked to widespread endometriosis.

The new passport includes important information for the user, their loved ones, healthcare staff and carers – including details of the purpose for the device and how to look after it.

Health board staff aim to reduce preventable catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) by helping ensure the devices are used appropriately.

Anna – who also uses a stoma bag, is an ambassador for Endometriosis UK and runs her own menstrual health support group on Instagram.

She said: “I know a lot of people find having a catheter difficult, so having this booklet and more information will be so helpful,” she said.

“When I started to use a catheter, I had no idea – I was given some bags, but didn’t really know how to use them. I didn’t know how to use it and was probably introducing infection without knowing it.

“I remember getting home and thinking I didn’t know how to look after this thing. It so important that when people are being discharged with catheters they are discharged with the best information about how to care for them and for themselves.”

Hospital staff will also consider removing catheters every few hours where inpatients no longer meet the criteria to use one. And, where possible, users in the community will be encouraged to give up their catheters for a trial period to see if they can manage without them.

Deputy Head of Community Nursing for the Betsi Cadwaladr’s East area Kristy Ross said catheters should only be used where absolutely necessary.

“Our CAUTI project seeks to ensure that only people who really need in-dwelling catheters have them fitted, to make sure that every catheter has a reason to be in place, and to provide better information about how to care for them,” she said.

“We want to reduce instances of catheter-associated infections which can make people seriously unwell, and reduce the use of the antibiotics needed to treat these preventable infections.”

The passports will be launched across the region over the coming weeks and months.