Regional patients living with a stoma can now receive specialist care closer to home

Regional patients living with a stoma can now receive specialist care closer to home with stomal therapy nurses working with members of the community.

The WA Country Health Service celebrated a new outreach clinic at the Warren Health Service with the first patient, a member of the Warren district health advisory council Nick Yvokoff, seen by nurses last month.

A stoma is a small hole in the side of the abdomen to the outside of the body and is used to remove body waste into a small collection bag.

When a patient has part of their bowel or bladder removed for medical reasons, a surgeon may need to form a stoma.

Adjusting to life with a stoma can be daunting and stoma nurses play an important role in supporting patients through this, meeting with patients before and after their operations, providing skilled care and compassionate support.

The new clinic means patients local to the Manjimup area will no longer need to travel to Bunbury or Busselton for fortnightly clinics.

The clinic will run every four weeks with outreach provided by Bunbury Regional Hospital stoma nurse Rachael Cherry.

Inland South West district director Jeremy Higgins said the advice and support of the Warren DHAC and the hospital team were key drivers in establishing the service.

“I would like to thank Nick Yvokoff and all members of the Warren district health advisory council, along with the partnership of Bunbury Regional Hospital, in supporting this important service,” he said.

He said the clinic is instrumental in supporting the delivery of care closer to home for patients requiring stomal therapy and support after surgery.

“Patients will be able to learn to manage their stoma and maintain their quality of life, in their own community,” Mr Higgins said.

Mr Yvokoff was the first appointment at the clinic and said everyone who was involved in getting the service up and running should be commended.

“I’m very proud of the work the Warren district health advisory council has done to support this clinic,” he said.

“When we have local voices working with local healthcare providers, we’re able to get the best health outcomes for our community.”

Patients can self-refer to the clinic by calling the hospital or they can make an appointment through the South West stoma team or can receive a referral from a GP or allied health professional.