"Regular assessment of patients'needs by using up to date stoma accessories and equipment continues to enhance the ostomates quality of life"

It is widely accepted that from time to time the ostomist will seek clinical advice for related skin problems.  Many ostomists struggle alone and do not seek help until they have become distraught and fail to cope.  [Redman, Cowin and Parker 2009].Why they wait so long is unclear, many confess to not wanting to “bother” the stoma nurse, others may think it is the norm to have leakages and just accept this as a way of life

Previous research has shown that stoma leakages and skin irritation to be the main causes of social isolation [Goozen et al, 2002]and it is evident that ostomists tend to use their own strategies for coping with leakages so have a very negative impact on their quality of life [English and Claessens, 2008].

The aim of these threes case studies is to show how, by being kept up to date with new ostomy equipment and understanding how and when it may be of use, the stoma therapist can continually improve and enhance the quality of life for the ostomate.

Three “lost” urinary ostomates  [ 2 female, and one male, aged 42, 66 and 67 years old respectively], made contact several years after their original surgery having endured  leakages and sore skin and had been failing to cope for a considerable length of time. Each of the ostomates was using their original equipment and accessories which at that time were deemed effective but was not any longer.

An assessment of each of their clinical needs was carried out and by using  a plan of care by introducing  a stoma collar, originally marketed and designed for the ileostomist, proved within days of its use successful in improving and enhancing each of their lives by giving comfort, security from leaks and cured their sore skin