Stomal Therapy Nursing

They are a specialist nurse who has undertaken further study to address the needs and concerns associated with colorectal and bladder surgery.

Colorectal and bladder surgery are specialised areas of the general surgery units at Epworth. Surgical procedures may involve the creation of an opening, or 'ostomy', from either bowel or bladder onto the abdominal wall. The body's waste (urine or faeces) is collected via this ostomy into a disposable pouch. This may be permanent or temporary.

The need for a stomal therapy nurse may be related to ostomy construction, urinary or faecal incontinence, or wounds with or without tube insertion.

The stomal therapy nurse is also responsible for perioperative counselling to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of the operation and the essential facts about living with a stoma.

Patients and clients are provided with preventative, acute, rehabilitative and continuing care as required.