At Darent Valley Hospital we offer a dedicated team of Stoma Care Nurse Specialists who are qualified general nurses that have been specially trained to provide all aspects of care to help the ostomist (person with a stoma) to return to their normal lifestyle. They hold nurse-led clinics and are both operational within the hospital setting and the community.
Stoma surgery is a major life event. Prior to surgery our nurse specialists can provide you with information about what it will be like living with a stoma, and if you wish, put you in contact with someone who has had similar surgery. They can advise you on the most suitable stoma equipment to meet your individual needs and teach you how to look after your stoma. On hospital discharge they will liaise with your GP and show you how to obtain your stoma supplies.
Our specialist nurses holds an outpatient clinic and you can make your own appointments directly with them by contacting the service. Advice is available on stoma management problems, social and sexual issues, diet and travel. Fitting of support belts and alternative colostomy management is also available.
Information can be obtained on local support group meetings and open days for ostomy patients and their families.
For further information contact the Stoma Nurses on: 01322 428399 or 01322 428669.
