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Stomal Therapy

A stoma is an opening onto the abdomen that is surgically formed to manage the removal of body wastes when there have been problems with how the bladder or bowel normally works. The stoma is called a "colostomy" if it is made from large bowel, an "ileostomy" if made from small bowel, or an "ileal conduit" if it is made from the ureter. The opening that is created: drains into a sealed bag system.

Stomal therapy is the management of stomas and education and counselling support of people to help them accept and learn to live with and look after their new stomas.

Focus Healthcare clinicians are supported by qualified and highly experienced Stomal Therapists.

We can provide in-home care to clients:

• Pre-operatively – in consultation with the client’s surgeon:
• Providing education and advice on stoma siting
• Post-operatively
• Management and care of newly formed stomas
• Management of temporary stomas
• Education and counselling towards self care and management of stomas
• Long-term stoma care (including advice on supply of personally appropriate equipment

Stomal therapy is planned following a careful assessment which typically includes consultation with your treating physician and/or surgeon. Care is taken to involve the client, explaining self-management options - taking account of clients’ daily routines, reactions to changed body image and capacity to self-manage all or part of their stoma care.

How to receive stomal therapy from Focus Healthcare

Any person needing stomal therapy can receive it from Focus Healthcare. All that is required is a telephone call to 1300 363 262 (24 hours / day). Our contact centre personnel will process the referral promptly and can advise you of charges and options for payment and rebates (e.g. from health funds or the Department of Veterans Affairs (War Veterans).

Once a referral is received a ‘key’ nurse will be assigned to your care. This nurse is responsible for coordination of the services you received from Focus Healthcare and for communication with other people who may be involved in your care e.g. your GP, a surgeon, and your family.

Charges

Private health insurance, Workcover or motor vehicle 3rd party compensation, Department of Veterans Affairs or hospital discharge/avoidance schemes will cover all or part of the cost of wound care provided by Focus Healthcare Nurses.