Published on: 18 September 2019
A new support group is being introduced for patients in South Tyneside with a stoma.
The first of the three-monthly meetings will be held on Wednesday, September 25th, from 2pm to 4pm, at Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre in South Shields.
The group is the idea of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust’s stoma nurse specialists in South Tyneside – Jane Barnes and Teresa Liddle, who are based at South Tyneside District Hospital, and Amanda Logan, who works in the community.
Mrs Barnes said: “A stoma is a surgically-created opening and there are many reasons why someone may need one, either temporarily or permanently. Common reasons include bowel cancer, bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis), diverticulitis or an obstruction to the bladder or bowel.
“Adapting to life with a stoma can be challenging but it can also mean a better quality of life for patients, some of whom may previously have been virtually housebound as a result of their condition.”
The stoma nurse specialists, who can offer support and guidance on many topics, from stoma management to nutrition, will be at the meeting on September 25th, along with representative of various charities and associations linked to the conditions which may require a stoma following treatment. There is no need to book, anyone interested can simply turn up.
