First patients seen at new stoma outreach clinic
L-R: Claudia Tschopp (Warren Hospital Clinical Nurse Manager), Rachael Cherry (Bunbury Hospital Stoma Nurse), Nick Yvokoff (DHAC Member & patient), Bruce Mighall (Program Officer).
WA Country Health Service is celebrating an important milestone made possible by its stomal therapy nurses working with members of the community.
A new outreach clinic at the Warren Health Service is enabling locals living with a stoma to receive specialist care closer to home.
The first patient, a member of the Warren District Health Advisory Committee (DHAC), was seen last month.
The clinic will run every four weeks with outreach provided by Bunbury Regional Hospital stoma nurse Rachael Cherry.
When a patient has part of their bowel or bladder removed for medical reasons, a surgeon may need to form a stoma.
It’s a small hole in the side of the abdomen to the outside of the body and is used to remove body waste into a small collection bag.
Adjusting to life with a stoma can be daunting and stoma nurses play an important role in supporting patients through this.
They meet them before and after the operation, providing skilled care and compassionate support - helping individuals regain independence and return to activities they enjoy.
This includes providing them one-on-one consultation on how to care and clean for the stoma, as well as how to change the bag.
The new clinic means patients local to the Manjimup area will no longer need to travel to Bunbury or Busselton for fortnightly clinics.
Inland South West District Director Jeremy Higgins said the advice and support of the Warren DHAC and the hospital team were key drivers in establishing the service.
“I would like to thank Nick Yvokoff and all members of the Warren District Health Advisory Council, along with the partnership of Bunbury Regional Hospital, in supporting this important service.”
He said the clinic is instrumental in supporting the delivery of care closer to home for patients requiring stomal therapy and support following surgery.
“Patients will be able to learn to manage their stoma and maintain their quality of life, in their own community,” Mr Higgins said.
Manjimup local Nick Yvokoff was the first appointment at the clinic and commended everyone who was involved in getting the service up and running.
“I’m very proud of the work the Warren District Health Advisory Council has done to support this clinic,” he said.
“When we have local voices working with local healthcare providers, we’re able to get the best health outcomes for our community.”
Patients can self-refer to the clinic by calling the hospital or they can make an appointment through the South West Stoma team.
They can also receive a referral from a GP or allied health professional.