The Role of a Stoma Nurse

What is a Stoma Nurse?

A stoma nurse is a specialised role and will look after and advise patients with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy before and after surgery. This care may come from a Colorectal Nurse Specialist or a Stoma Nurse.

What Role Does A Stoma Nurse Play?

The role of a stoma nurse is vital. As well as providing patient support, they will also be involved in the coordination of your treatment including liaising with the surgical team and other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) that may be involved in your care.

Your stoma nurse will likely be your key contact throughout your treatment.

How Do I Find A Stoma Nurse?

You will most likely be referred to a stoma nurse at your local hospital if you have been advised that you need stoma surgery. If you can’t access a stoma nurse via your hospital, your stoma supplies home delivery service may provide you online or telephone access to a fully trained stoma nurse who can help you with any questions.

You can also find details of your nearest continence clinic via our healthcare professional finder on the Bladder and Bowel website. Click here to access the finder and type in your postcode to find your nearest service.

How can a stoma nurse help you?

A stoma nurse can offer you practical advice on how to manage your stoma including helping you to find the correct bags and products needed to keep you confident and comfortable. They may be the person who explains your procedure in depth, marks the position of your stoma for surgery and trains you in the care of your stoma.

Your stoma nurse can also be there to help you emotionally navigate the changes in your body post surgery.

Speak To A Stoma Specialist

You can also speak to a stoma nurse through the Home Delivery Service if you have any questions regarding stoma care. Meet our stoma nurses, and read some frequently asked stoma questions.

The Bladder and Bowel Community offer a Home Delivery Service for all your stoma needs. With advice from your own Personal Advisor, we can deliver direct to your door stoma bags and any associated medications and accessories. Click to find out what the Home Delivery Service can offer you.