The Scottish Stoma Forum says plans to reform Scotland’s health boards must be used as an opportunity to end variation in stoma care – to deliver a consistent, national approach.

20,000 Scots have stomas and the number is increasing each year.

Experts from across the NHS and patient organisations have called for better care for patients.

While stoma surgery can be life-saving, living with a stoma can bring significant physical and psychological challenges. Access to specialist nursing, appropriate products, good information and ongoing support can make a major difference to patients’ quality of life.

The Scottish Stoma Forum (SSF) have just hosted a major stakeholder event at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital, bringing together representatives from across the NHS, Scottish government, patient organisations and industry to discuss the future of stoma services in Scotland.

Speakers at the meeting, chaired by Professor Param Mariappan, Chair of the Scottish Stoma Forum, included Scotland’s Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Kathryn Brechin.

The Forum has previously called for greater consistency in stoma care across Scotland, including equitable access to specialist support and advice, annual reviews for patients, improved training and succession planning for specialist nurses, patient choice over products and services, and greater collaboration between NHS boards through a Once for Scotland approach.

Professor Param Mariappan (pictured), a Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Western General Hospital, called for people’s experience of stoma care not to depend on where in Scotland they live:

“Stoma care in Scotland should be a national approach and reform of Scotland’s health boards provides the opportunity for consistency.

“Regardless of where someone lives, they should be able to access high-quality specialist care, appropriate products and the information and support they need to live their life to the fullest.

“This meeting provided an important opportunity to look at where we are now, hear directly from patients and those delivering services across Scotland, and consider where further progress is needed.

“The Scottish Stoma Forum is committed to amplifying the voice of the stoma community, and by identifying and raising awareness of our calls to action, we want to improve the care provided to the increasing number of Scots living with a stoma."

Commenting, stoma patient Jacqui Sibbald (pictured), said:

“Stoma surgery has a profound psychological as well as physical impact.

“You leave hospital facing major changes to your body image, relationships, confidence, work and ability to travel, while also having to learn how to manage your stoma and any post-surgery complications.

"Consistent, high-quality stoma care, including better access to specialist nurses, peer groups, and home visits would make a huge difference to patients really needing support.”

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