Ostomy Care

Ostomy Care

Providing education and ongoing wound care for patients pre and post-surgery

Patients living with an ostomy pouch oftentimes find themselves struggling with infections, leakage, and situations that limit their ability to continue with a normal life. In partnership with Nightingale Medical Supplies LTD, The IBD Centre of BC is proud to offer free-of-charge ostomy care to its patients provided by certified wound, ostomy and continence nurses. As part of our holistic care, we’ve partnered with a specialized clinic that it’s present across BC and offers its services via telehealth as well. The goal of this service is to help patients have a normal life while living with an ostomy.

FAQ

  • Before surgery

    The staff will explain the surgery and answer any of your questions and ease your concerns. In addition, we’ll walk you through the expected hospital journey and discuss relevant factors with you. We encourage patients to include their relatives in this type of appointment as often times they play a crucial role during and after surgery in assisting patients with basic needs and care.

  • After surgery

    There are many things to learn, that will be needed to deal with or that can go wrong after having ostomy surgery. If that’s the case, do not hesitate to reach out to your IBD nurse as they can immediately refer you to the specialized NSWOC team.

  • When would I need this type of care?

    We recommend you see a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) both before and after surgery for the following reasons:

    • Weight gain or loss of ten pounds or more
    • Every 6-12 months of your stoma check-up
    • Leakage
    • If you have redness, pain or wounds around your stoma
    • If you have a hernia or a bulge in the stoma area
    • Travel, diet, or lifestyle suggestions and general advising

  • Who should I contact if I need access to the ostomy service?

    You can directly contact your IBD nurse via telephone.

    If you have been seen by Nightingale Medical Services already and you need a follow-up, you may want to contact them directly to expedite the process. Please mention that you are a patient of the IBD Centre of BC so they can find you in their files.

    Feel free to call our office (604.416.4444) and our receptionist will be happy to assist you.