Vulnerable patients fear implications of stoma nurse shortage

Vulnerable patients in regional South Australia are expressing concern over the implications of a stoma nurse shortage. Stoma nurses specialize in caring for patients with urostomy and colostomy bags, a situation that has become increasingly precarious in Mount Gambier, the largest city in the state outside Adelaide. Once home to two full-time stoma nurses, the region now relies on a single nurse who works one day per week.

This scarcity leaves over 200 individuals in the South East region, who suffer from stoma bags, struggling to access the necessary support and guidance.

David Platt, a prostate cancer survivor who underwent surgery and now uses a urostomy bag, vividly recalls his initial struggle to adapt to his new reality. Platt vividly remembers his first encounter with a stoma nurse at Mount Gambier hospital, who assisted him through the early months of managing his stoma. Though his condition has become an integral part of his life, Platt recognizes the critical need for continued support as he attempts to aid others navigating their stoma journeys.

The lack of stoma nurses can be detrimental, particularly in emergency situations requiring medical expertise beyond routine bag maintenance. For example, older patients needing assistance with more complex issues have found themselves compelled to travel to Adelaide for care, a journey that can be particularly challenging for those already dealing with age-related limitations.

Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) chief executive Emma Poland acknowledges the growing competition for qualified professionals, both intrastate, interstate, and overseas. While the network is actively recruiting a specialist stoma nurse in Mount Gambier, it is also providing essential training to existing staff through workshops and educational programs. Additionally, LCLHN is collaborating with locum agencies to swiftly identify suitably qualified candidates to temporarily support the service.

Independent Member for Mount Gambier, Travis Fatchen, has called for an overhaul of how stoma nursing is incorporated into the health system, advocating for the inclusion of stoma training in nursing curricula. He suggests that having additional nurses available to step in, as needed, could help bridge the gaps in service delivery.

Stoma nursing is a specialized field, and its importance cannot be overstated. Helen Colliver, who advocated for a permanent stoma nurse in the Yorke Peninsula, recalls her initial difficulty adapting to her stoma after surgery for a perforated bowel. It was only after receiving support from a stoma nurse that she felt equipped to manage her condition confidently.

SA Health's appointment of a permanent stoma nurse for the Yorke Peninsula in 2021 has made a significant difference for residents in need. For Helen Colliver and many others, the presence of a dedicated stoma nurse provides a much-needed sense of reassurance and support in navigating the complexities of stoma care.