Please note: pilot now extended to the end of March 2026.
Which wards are part of the study?
- The James cook university hospital -ward 1, 3, 11, 12 and 37.
- Friarage Hospital – Ainderby ward and Rutson ward.
- East cleveland Primary care hospital.
Can I choose to opt out of the study and have caffeinated drinks?
Yes. Ensuring you have a choice is very important to us as a hospital. If you wish to have caffeinated tea and coffee or want to discuss further, please speak to a member of staff
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural chemical. It increase activity in the brain and nervous system. Caffeine can be found in foods and drinks like tea and coffee.
Why are decaf drinks better for my bladder health?
Having an overactive bladder means feeling urgency when needing to pee and going to the toilet often in the day or night.
Caffeine found in tea and coffee can the irritate the bladder. Switching to decaf tea and coffee will improve your bladder health. It will reduce urinary symptoms.
It can reduce the risk of having a fall when rushing to reach the toilet in time.
If you are an inpatient at one of our hospitals and have an overactive bladder, ask your nurse or doctor to refer you to the hospital continence service.
Caffeine withdrawal
If you normally drink a lot of caffeinated tea and coffee you may have some withdrawal headaches.
You can get these headaches 18 hours after not drinking tea or coffee. If this happens drink plenty of plain water. Headaches and low energy levels may last for a couple of days but the benefits will be worth it.
Are there other benefits? Other benefits of switching to decaf tea or coffee are:
- Improved sleep
- Reduce noticeable or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
- Helps prevent dehydration and headaches
- Reduces indigestion
- Reduces risk of a condition that weakens bones (osteoporosis). This is because caffeine stops the absorption of calcium.