|
‘Long awaited’ report aims to transform stoma care |
Related newsAppeal for people to give “amazing gift” Why you can’t miss the UK Stroke Forum 2025 Scots to benefit from new NHS heart treatment New vision for rare liver condition It may not be menopause, it could be PBC Cardiac innovation gets public showcase NHS problems ‘still need fixed’ despite pandemic focus Three boards chosen for NHS Scotland net zero pilot NHS whistleblowing champions appointed NHS ‘financially unsustainable’, auditors say Briefing: Scotland’s health & care intelligence 
|
|
© Martina
|
||
|
||
|
The lives around 20,000 stoma patients in Scotland could be improved through wider use of technology and improving training for specialist nurses, a report has found.
The recommendations have been made by an expert group examining the care of stomas – an opening on the abdomen that allows waste to be diverted out of the body.
NHS Scotland currently spends around £31m a year on looking after patients who have had the procedure, for example after bowel surgery for illnesses such as cancer or Crohn’s disease.
Care costs have increased by nearly 65% over the past five years, despite the number of stoma patients only rising by 10% over the same period.
While the average cost of stoma care should be between £700 and £2,300 a year, issues such as prescribing variations, lack of clarity over best practice and inappropriate use of products means it can be more than £6,000 per year.
The National Stoma Quality Improvement Group report has set out 14 recommendations with the aim of a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach to reducing variations in care.
This includes using telehealth monitoring systems to help support patients to manage their condition through mobile phones.
Group chair Craig Stewart, Associate Nursing Director at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: "Its recommendations pave the way for an integrated national approach to stoma care that harnesses data and digital tools to deliver best-value care and an improved quality of life for patients.
"We can transform how we deliver stoma care today and lay strong foundations for further future improvements."
Alice Macleod, Senior Nurse within NHS National Services Scotland National Procurement Division, said the report was “long awaited”.
“It is a crucial step towards achieving a 'Once For Scotland' stoma care model that maximises value, supports NHS colleagues and delivers more for patients,” she said.
Supporters – If you can help support our reporting for Scotland's health and social care community, please head to our donations page.
Bulletin – Sign up for all the latest news and events. |
