Stoma
Individuals of all ages can have a stoma. Stoma surgery is undertaken to treat a range of illnesses including cancer, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease or following a trauma to the abdomen. Created with Colostomy UK, this page has resources for healthcare professionals living with a stoma and the line managers and trade union reps supporting them at work.
Ian for Colostomy UK
Ian has worked as a nurse and trade union officer whilst adapting to life with a stoma. He now supports others through his work with Colostomy UK. Hear his advice for working with a stoma in healthcare.
It is estimated that one in 335 people in the UK are living with a stoma. As a largely invisible disability, communication is key to ensure that those with a stoma get the support they need. Our health ability passport template can help guide a constructive conversation about the reasonable adjustments needed at work. Employers should also consider accessible staff facilities for changing stoma pouches.
Key points in Ian's video:
0:47 - Stoma - what is it? Preferred language when discussing a stoma.
2:13 - Long Term Condition vs Disability
3:01 - Challenges of living with a stoma
4:12 - Reasonable adjustments for those living with a stoma
7:04 - Conversations with line managers
9:00 - A message to employers
9:30 - Ian's advice to others living with a stoma
11:03 - About Colostomy UK
Reasonable adjustments for living with a stoma
Our Health Ability Passport guidance has been developed with members with lived experience of disability, neurodivergence and long-term conditions.
With Callum Metcalfe-O'Shea, (RCN professional lead for long-term conditions) we have reviewed the guidance to make sure it supports members with a long-term condition diagnosis.
Use the guidance along with our Stoma specific passport template developed with Colostomy UK to ensure you have helpful conversations with your line manager that:
- Consider your specialist team reviews to ensure adjustments remain effective and appropriate
- Look at the impacts of medications and treatments and make adjustments around this
- Acknowledge fluctuating symptoms and plan for flare ups.
The passport template can be downloaded via the link on the right as a fillable pdf or, you can use it and the health ability passport guidance to inform completion of your employer's passport document, if they have one.
Feedback and suggestions are welcome. email Peer.Support@rcn.org.uk
