Viewpoint Resources

The world of stoma care can be a complex one. Thousands of products are available on Drug Tariff in the UK, which provides the arsenal for stoma care nurses to successfully deliver care and solutions. Some of these products may be to enhance the effectiveness of the appliance used, and each appliance has a variety of characteristics that may dictate the suitability of use for each individual’s personal condition.

Many people who both attend and work in our services carry the impact of trauma. Their trauma state can be exacerbated by how they are spoken to and treated. It is a sad and shocking reality that people accessing health and care systems can find the experience worsening their condition when they are seeking help and healing.

At Coloplast, we know the formation of a stoma is a life-saving procedure for many, but it can also pose considerable challenges for individuals and takes time to adapt (Di Gesaro, 2016). This is why it is essential for everyone with a stoma to have equitable access to high quality care and specialist advice (Osborne et al, 2022).

Encouraging care closer to home has long been a priority for the government and NHS (Department of Health [DH], 2019). The workforce needs to be trained and equipped to deliver this health care in a variety of community settings (Queen’s Nursing Institute [QNI], 2021). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have consulted and responded to these societal changes, i.e. care closer to home, within their review of professional standards which will shape community nursing roles for years ahead (NMC, 2022). The specialist practice qualification (SPQ) provides the education and training to prepare community nurses for their future professional careers as clinicians and leaders and will be at the forefront of implementing these standards.