The Stomal Therapy Service Team work wherever they’re needed, in hospitals, primary care and out in the community in people’s homes all across the Southern region.
There’s every chance that all of us have known someone with a stoma, although we may not have realised that at the time. But one patient does want to talk about it, and the way the Southern team supported him.
“I was admitted to Dunedin Public Hospital on for a perforated sigmoid diverticulum which resulted in me requiring a sigmoid resection and end colostomy. I ended up spending time in the ICU and HDU and some of my first visitors were the Stoma Nurses. Talking to a stranger about something like a stoma and colostomy isn't an easy task. The dedication and professionalism exhibited by these nurses has been nothing short of remarkable.
“They were compassionate and did an awesome job assessing how I was dealing mentally with the whole concept of having a stoma. These dedicated nurses had a very difficult task and executed it with the utmost dedication and professionalism. Since my discharge, they have made regular contact with me and continued with the education and training.
“Their drive, dedication and commitment has made a tremendously positive impact on the quality of my life. I am humbled and honoured to have them involved in my ongoing recovery. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to these professionals.”
Registered Nurses Jillian Woodall, Ruth Macindoe, Anna Wallace and Clinical Nurse Specialist Leeann Thom
The Stomal Therapy Service Team work wherever they’re needed, in hospitals, primary care and out in the community in people’s homes all across the Southern region. They’re ensuring that people with stomas have access to quality and accessible care and are supported to live well, wherever they choose to do that. But they often fly under the radar, because this is one subject many of us don't want to think about.
The team work with people throughout their journey, from when the first learn they will be having a stoma, to when it’s removed, or the person passes on.
A stoma is a small opening made in the abdomen to allow the removal of bodily waste (urine and faeces). There are various reasons why someone may need this procedure, a congenital condition, and illness such as cancer, or trauma, but the team say nearly all their patients find the idea challenging, at least to begin with.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Leeann Thom, who leads the team, explains “When we first meet our patients, many of them are in denial. So the first few days or weeks are spent getting people used to the idea of having a stoma, and that this doesn’t need to stop them doing any of the things they would normally do.”
“It really is a privilege,” says Registered Nurse (RN) Anna Wallace. “This is such an integral and intimate part of people’s lives, and they allow us to share that with them. We really enjoy seeing people as they realise it doesn’t need to hold them back.”
Every patient is different, and that’s also something the team are happy to work with. “For many people, getting a stoma is something that takes quite a while to come to terms with,” explains RN Jillian Woodall. “They might feel very embarrassed and alone, and assume that no one can understand what they are going through. So one thing we do is to put them in touch with a support person – another stoma patient in a similar situation who can help them navigate the journey. People are often surprised to find that someone they already know has a stoma – and that it doesn’t hold them back.”
Her colleague RN Ruth Macindoe agrees. “We have patients at all ages and stages of life, and honestly, there’s nothing you can’t do with a stoma. We have patients who travel, do all sorts of sports and outside activities, and recently we have had some younger clients who have become parents. It’s really wonderful to see and be a small part of that.”
