Ostomy Service
The Ostomy Nurse Specialist assists in the assessment, care and management of patients following stoma surgery including home visits and provision of supplies. This service is part of the District Nursing Service.

The service also provides:

• Pre-operative education and stoma siting
• Post-operative follow-up, education, support, appliance advice and supply provision
• Annual review, or as required
• Ongoing problem solving and support.

Continence Service
Continence Nurse Specialists work with patients who have continence problems. They link with other clinicians such as geriatricians, physiotherapists, dietitians and occupational therapists as required. This service is part of the District Nursing Service.

The service provides:

• Assessment of urinary and faecal incontinence
• Bladder retraining programmes
• Bladder and bowel management care and advice
• Education for patients/ caregivers
• Referral to a continence physiotherapist for assessment and treatment
• Consultation and advice on medication induced incontinence
• Advice on continence products and the supply of products as set out in MoH Continence Service Specifications.

In accordance with the service specifications provided by the Funder, and with the patient’s permission, referrals will be accepted from:

• Self, family, caregivers, health professionals, GPs, hospital staff and specialists.

Entry Criteria

Ostomy Service
All patients who have a condition resulting in the formation of a stoma and who require care, support and supplies to function normally in a community setting, will be referred to the service.

Continence Service
Any adult patient in the community who has a continence problem requiring advice, support, care and at times, supplementary supplies, to enable them to manage this issue at home.