One Ostomate + One Affiliate Member = Partners in Care

Approximately 120,000 new ostomy surgeries are performed each year in the United States.  WOC nurses have done much to assist these patients. Pre-operative teaching, siting for the surgery itself, in patient and out patient follow-up visits, are just a few examples. Many ostomy nurses have assisted at free clinics sponsored by the United Ostomy Association, or have agreed to see these patients free of charge as an out-patient regarding concerns with their ostomies.  These concerns vary from peristomal skin issues, to appliance problems, to “touching base” with an ostomy nurse. The Delaware Valley Affiliate of the WOCN has frequently discussed the issue of a lack of a system to see these patients at meetings.  The Affiliate has now partnered a purveyor of ostomy supplies, and has developed a series of “floating” free ostomy clinics based throughout the region of the Delaware Valley. Ostomy supplies, such as pouches, and belts, are provided free of charge, as well as availability to provide information on how to obtain such supplies, if the patients have financial constraints. The clinics rotate to various hospitals throughout the Delaware Valley. Staffing is done on a volunteer basis by the members. These clinics serve ostomates, who may otherwise not have access to a WOCN. This project has demonstrated that members of this regional affiliate have undertaken a definitive approach to establishing a true partnership in care. The outcomes thus far have been a decrease in peristomal complications and improved communication with area ostomates.