Randomised study of the effect of midnight versus 0600 removal of urinary catheters

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken to determine the effects of midnight removal of urinary catheters on patients' voiding patterns and subsequent discharge from hospital. Patients whose urinary catheters were removed at midnight showed a greater volume of initial void than those whose catheters were removed at the usual time of 0600. Removal of urinary catheters routinely at midnight permits earlier assessment of patients' voiding, which may allow for earlier discharge from hospital.