This on from the IW NHS, in their own words. Ed
This new Award recognises and celebrates the clinical and professional care and outstanding contribution beyond the nursing remit given by a team/department in a hospital or community setting directly involved with provision of high quality stoma care to patients.
The Award was made at the Colostomy Association’s Patient Open Day at the Madejski Stadium, Reading, Berkshire on Saturday 20th July 2013.
30 Colostomies on the Island each year
A colostomy is a common surgical procedure that pulls a section of the large intestine (colon) through an opening in the abdominal wall. The opening is known as a stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect waste products that would usually pass through the colon and out of the body through the rectum and anus (your back passage). A colostomy can be permanent or temporary.
It is estimated that around 6,400 permanent colostomies are carried out each year in the UK and 30 are carried out on the Island each year. There are approx 200 patients on the Island with a permanent colostomy.
Providing quality care every time
Matron Sue Biggs says:
“It wasn’t until Colostomy Nurse Specialist (CNS) Andie Coates was on stage to receive certificates recognising outstanding service with three other groups from across the country that it was announced that we were the recipients of first ever Purple Iris Award. Our aim in the team is to provide patients with quality care every time and it is great to know that this has been recognised with this award. Everyone in the team is thrilled.”
The IW Stoma care team
The Stoma care team on the Island comprises:
- Michelle Houchin, Secretary
- Amanda Broadbridge, CNS Stoma Care
- Andrene (Andie) Coates, CNS Stoma Care
- Sue Biggs, Matron
- Jill Hambley, Admin Support
Mr Monty Taylor, Chairman of Trustees, Colostomy Association said:
“The Purple Iris Award recognises outstanding service given by a stoma care department to patients, their families and carers – the CA is delighted to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Isle of Wight stoma team – congratulations to everyone – keep up the great work!”
Colostomy Association
The Colostomy Association is a UK registered charity representing the interests of people with a colostomy. Colostomy is not a subject that is openly discussed – hence there is a general lack of public knowledge on what it’s like to have a stoma.
The Association offer support, reassurance and practical information to anyone who may be about to have, or already has a colostomy and provides assistance to those who are new to living with a colostomy as well as those who have been colostomates for many years. Appropriate support and advice is offered to families and carers both before and after surgery.
The Association work with our staff, volunteers and health professionals, and aim to provide:
- Support and advice for colostomates, their families and their carers
- Email and 24hr telephone helpline
- Comprehensive advisory literature and quarterly magazine
- Visits for those who need it
A colostomy is needed when there is a problem with an area of the colon. For example, if the colon has become damaged, blocked or affected by conditions such as bowel cancer. There are two main types of colostomies. They are:
- a loop colostomy, where a loop of colon is brought to the abdominal skin surface and two openings are made in the stoma
- an end colostomy, where one end of the colon is brought to the abdominal skin surface (stoma has one opening)
Loop colostomies are usually temporary. Temporary colostomies are sometimes used after surgery, injury or infection when a section of the colon has been damaged. This gives it time to heal before it is rejoined and the stoma is closed.
End colostomies are usually permanent but can be temporary. A permanent colostomy may be needed if the colon is severely damaged or if it is necessary to remove the rectum or anus.
An alternative to a colostomy is an ileostomy. This stoma is made from the last part of your small bowel. Your surgeon will advise you which stoma is necessary and the reasons for this.
Modern colostomy equipment is both discreet and secure and there is no reason why you should not be able to take part in activities that you enjoyed before having a colostomy. Furthermore, other people will only be aware that you have a colostomy if you decide to tell them.
Adjusting to life after having a colostomy can be challenging and for some people it can also be distressing. However, most people become accustomed to it over time without experiencing the symptoms that made it necessary in the first place.
It is important to follow the recommendations given to you by the stoma nurse about the use of equipment to avoid problems and possible complications.
The majority of services provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust are commissioned and funded by Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS England and Isle of Wight Council.
More information can be found at:
· Colostomy Association – www.colostomyassociation.org.uk or via the Helpline: 0800 328 4257
· NHS Choices – http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Colostomy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
The Island’s Stoma Care Team can be contacted on 01983-534009 or by e-mailing [email protected]
