Urology

Dr Karina Laing graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2005 and has been Unit Clinical Director since 2020.

Her clinical interests include urinary incontinence and functional urology. In addition to her clinical practice, she is Clinical Lead for Urology within Scotland's Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), where she contributes to national pathway redesign and service improvement programmes.

Dr Laing has a strong interest in clinical leadership, governance, education, and delivering sustainable, patient-centred healthcare services.

"As an Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist working mostly with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and benign urological conditions, I have the privilege of supporting patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether someone has been newly diagnosed with bladder cancer or is managing a benign condition such as recurrent urinary tract infections, overactive bladder or urinary retention, every patient deserves compassionate, patient-centred care. My role extends beyond clinical treatment by also providing education, emotional support and reassurance by helping patients understand their condition, navigate investigations and treatments, and supporting them to feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

Bladder and urinary symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, affecting confidence, relationships, and everyday activities. Early recognition of symptoms such as visible haematuria (blood in their urine), changes in bladder habits, or outflow problems is essential, as timely assessment can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. Equally important is recognising that many benign urological conditions are highly treatable and should never be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing.

One of the things I value most about my role is building relationships with patients and their families. Bladder health is something many people find difficult to talk about, yet these conditions can have a huge impact on daily life, affecting confidence, work, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. I hope to encourage more open conversations about urological health and remind people that help is available. No concern is too small to discuss, and seeking advice early can make all the difference. Being able to support patients through their journey and helping them regain their quality of life is what makes this role so rewarding."

"After completing nurse training in Belfast, my first job as a newly qualified nurse was in Guernsey where being an island hospital, all surgical specialities were on one ward which allowed me to gain invaluable experience. There I met a Highland lassy which brought me to Inverness in 1999. After spending a few years working on the urology and vascular ward, I obtained a trainee specialist nurse job in urology and became a fully fledged urology specialist nurse in 2007.

Over the subsequent years, I sub-specialised in prostate cancer and now the diagnostic service is fully nurse-led, from receiving the GP referral through to the assessment clinic, performing biopsies, dealing with the results and organising appropriate scans before discussing treatment options with the patient.

Away from work, I have four boys. My main interests are watching rugby both international and at local club level where the boys take part as well as playing golf."

"Healthcare has been my passion for many years. I began my career as a Healthcare Support Worker in 2008 and later studied Adult Nursing at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) from 2013-2016. Since then, I have worked within surgical services, predominantly in urology, progressing to my current role as a Band 6 Clinical Urology Nurse Specialist, which I started in November 2023. Working in urology throughout my career has allowed me to develop specialist knowledge and play an important role in supporting patients living with and beyond prostate cancer.

My role involves monitoring patients with low-grade, low-volume prostate cancer who are on active surveillance, reviewing PSA results, maintaining the PSA database, and coordinating follow-up care. I also support patients following prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy, monitoring their PSA levels and acting as a point of contact for any ongoing lower urinary tract symptoms or erectile dysfunction concerns.

A cancer diagnosis and treatment journey can be challenging and overwhelming. What I enjoy most about my role is building relationships with patients and providing reassurance, guidance, and support. Knowing that I can make a positive difference to a patient’s experience makes the role both rewarding and fulfilling. I look forward to continuing to develop my knowledge and skills while supporting patients throughout their prostate cancer journey."