What are stomas?
Stomas (like ileostomies or colostomies) are surgically created openings on the abdomen, often used in cancer surgery to divert waste (poo) into a bag when the bowel is removed or needs to heal.
This allows a bypass of damaged sections. Stomas can be temporary (to allow healing, then reversed) or permanent, depending on the extent of the cancer and surgical necessity, with specialised nurses providing crucial support for managing them.
Meet the stoma team
The stoma team here at The James Cook University Hospital are here to support you throughout your stay.
- Alison Hand
- Kath Edmondson
- Dawn Bezance
- Lorraine King
Please be re-assured they are here to answer any questions you may have.
Contact details
The stoma team cover a five day service from Monday to Friday between 7.30am to 3.30pm.
- Tel: 07407858400
- Email: [email protected]
Pre-op clinics
You will seen in clinic pre-operatively where you will spend an hour going through what to expect living life as an ostomate.
The stoma team will mark where the stoma will go and discuss any anxieties in preparation for forthcoming surgery.
You will be counselled for a colostomy or an ileostomy
Your hospital stay
You will see the stoma team daily whilst on the ward and they will teach you how to become independent with caring for your stoma.
They will also provide you with psychological support ensuring you are independent prior to safe discharge.
On discharge from hospital, the stoma team will refer you to the community stoma care nurses who will provide ongoing support.
Stoma care and support
You need to know how to change your stoma appliance properly for optimal comfort and security.
These “care at home” booklets illustrate daily stoma care, and how to change a one-piece or two-piece stoma pouch (also called a stoma bag).