Stoma care service
A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that can be connected to either your digestive or urinary system to allow waste (urine or faeces) to be diverted out of your body. This is usually following a surgical procedure called a colostomy where one end of the colon (part of the bowel) is diverted through an opening in the tummy, or an ileostomy, where the small bowel (small intestine) is diverted through an opening in the tummy (abdomen).
We provide a stoma care service which is led by specialist nurses. Stoma care nurses will educate and support patients and their families when they undergo this type of surgery. Support will be given prior to your surgery, whilst you are in hospital and when you return home. Patients are also seen in stoma care clinics.
More about stoma care services
We provide the following services:
- Support and advice for patients undergoing colorectal (Bowel) Surgery
- Support and advice for patients undergoing colorectal surgery and investigations for colorectal cancer
- Support and advice for patients and their families undergoing stoma formation (formation of a ‘bag’ also known as a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy).
- Dietary advice for colorectal patients
- Stoma Care Clinics
- Colorectal Nurse-led follow up clinics
- Liaison with other healthcare professionals looking after you, including your GP or District Nurse
The colorectal nurse works closely with all members of the team involved in your treatment and care, called the colorectal multi-disciplinary team, and can talk to them on your behalf. The Colorectal Nurse can also liaise with the other healthcare professionals looking after you, including your GP or District Nurse, to ensure you receive the best advice and treatment.
Northern services
One of the colorectal nursing team will try to be with you at your clinic appointment with the doctor. If they are not present and you would like to see them, please ask a member of staff. They can be contacted on 01271 322464.
Stoma clinics are held on Monday afternoon’s and Wednesday morning’s by appointment only. You may contact the stoma nurses directly to arrange an appointment. Clinics are held in Outpatients ‘Area A’, Level 2, North Devon District Hospital. You will be closely monitored in these clinics at 6 weeks, 6 months and at one year post-discharge. You have open access to the department for support at any time by contacting them by phone.
We also hold Nurse-led cancer follow up clinics. The nurse-led clinic takes place on various days of the week. You will have a thirty minute appointment so that you will have plenty of time to discuss your concerns or explain any problems you may have. You may also be required to have a blood test and possibly a rigid sigmoidoscopy (a look into the lower part of your bowel with a small scope). If you need further tests or examinations the CNS will organise them for you. The CNS will also liaise directly with your Consultant, if necessary.
Meet the team
- Karen Day – Colorectal Clinical and Professional Lead Nurse
- Caroline Smith (Caz) – Stoma Care Nurse
- Denise Sanders – Stoma Care Nurse
- Jo Tucker – Stoma Care Nurse
- Teresa Woodward – Stoma Care Nurse
- Debbie Elston – Stoma Care nurse
- Mandy Rimmer-Gray – Stoma Care Nurse
We are available Monday – Friday 08.30am – 4.30pm.
- Colorectal Nurses – 01271 322464
- Stoma Care Nurses – 01271 349116
An answer phone is on all the time so please leave your name and phone number so that the nurses can return your call.
Eastern services
East
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
We can be contacted via the main hospital switchboard on 01392 411611, and are located:
Inpatients: Lyme Ward
Surgical Admissions Unit: Abbey Ward
Meet the team
- Patricia Boorman – Clinical Director
- Steve Mansfield – Clinical Lead
- Polly Budden – Cluster Manager
- Anita Irwin – Senior Nurse
Patient information leaflets
We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital.
We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.
Eastern services Stoma Care leaflets
General dietary advice following stoma surgery
Guidelines for Changing your Stoma Appliance
Pelvic Floor Exercises for Patients with a Temporary Stoma
Reversal of a Temporary Stoma or Loop Ileostomy / Loop Colostomy