Role of a Stoma Nurse(con't)
Research By assessing new
products we can evaluate them to maintain the standards that one is
led to expect. We work with surgeons and other health professionals
on other research topics.
We carry out audits so that the standard of care ostomists receive
is constantly being improved and maintained.
Now there are Colorectal Nurses and other nurse specialists up and
down the country however, we should never forget that the foresight
of one lady has helped to pave the way for the improvement of ostomy
care and other specialist nurses countrywide.
As Registered Nurses we work to the UKCC Code of Conduct, compared
to Stoma Care Advisers, who may work for commercial companies and
may have a vested interest in proffering a particular product which
may not necessarily be the ideal. We are part of the health care
team and in my opinion our added value only comes when ostomists
call upon our services. So I would suggest that you continue to
maintain contact with your local NHS Stoma care Nurse.
I have been advised that the new Primary Care Groups (PCGs), which
replaces GP Fundholders, should have no adverse effect on the
standard of care you receive from either your General Practitioner
or allowing access to your Stoma Care Nurses. This is just for the
Southampton area so it may be an idea for those of you who live out
side to make enquiries from your surgery.
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