What we do

Some patients who have bowel surgery will need to have a stoma formed.

A stoma may be an ileostomy (formed from small bowel) or a colostomy (formed from large bowel), and both may be permanent or temporary depending on the condition and surgery performed.

We also care for patients who have had urinary diversions, resulting in formation of a urostomy, in other hospitals and return home.

Having a stoma will be life changing and we appreciate takes time to adapt. We provide support and information for patients, families and carers.

What we offer

Counselling, advisory and educational support to those about to undergo stoma surgery, recently formed ostomists and those who have been established for some time. We provide up to date information and promote optimum rehabilitation to our patients.

We follow a pathway of appointments following surgery and tailor follow-up support to the individual.

We encourage self-referral to our service and yearly reviews.

We are an educational resource for all healthcare professionals and liaise with primary and secondary healthcare teams to promote best clinical practice and enhance continuity of care.

Before surgery

We offer information, counselling and support.

Some of the topics include:

• Stoma forming surgery
• Sexual related matters
• Individualised lifestyles
• Diet / fluid intake
• Holiday and travel
• Body image
• Exercise
• The fitting of support garments and prevention of parastomal hernias      

After surgery

We will care for you on the ward, carrying out initial checks teaching you to care for your stoma and providing a plan of care for discharge. We then continue to support you once you are discharged home and provide up to date relevant advice and information regarding pouches and ongoing care.

Mission statement

We aim to give a high standard of personalised care to our patients and their families. We will carry this out in a professional manner with an empathetic and friendly attitude. We act as the patients advocate. We believe that everyone is deserving of living a full and fulfilled life without stigma and prejudice and will support our patients to this aim.