The State Government has improved services for Barossa, Gawler and Southern Fleurieu residents living with stoma and continence conditions with the appointment of two new community-based Stomal Therapy and Continence Nurses.

Rachel Carr is working across the Barossa and Gawler, which has been without a site-based Stomal Therapy and Continence Nurse since 2020.

Her role is enhanced by Sajina Shakya, who supports inpatient Stomal Therapy Continence patients in the local hospitals.

Residents in the Southern Fleurieu region have also had their services bolstered with the addition of Stomal Therapy/Continence Nurse, Anita Burgess, who started on December 10.

She will be assisted by Registered/Community Nurse Brenda Williams who provides inpatient stomal therapy and continence care. The two nurses provide four days a week of Stomal Therapy/Continence care to consumers in Victor Harbor and the surrounding area.

A third Stomal Therapy/Continence Nurse, Emma Grooby, also joined the Adelaide Hills region hospitals in May.

All nurses are supported by existing regional Consultant Stomal Therapy and Continence Nurse, Clea Fisher, who works mostly in the Adelaide Hills. She further provides additional support and time in the Gawler and Southern Fleurieu to manage complex client presentations and clinical support and education.

Ostomates are people who live with a stoma, a small opening in the abdomen that is used to remove body waste. They are supported by the new nurses for up to 12 months after surgery. Each nurse will facilitate independence in clients through advice and education on day-to-day self-care and changes clients may experience.

Continence care by our nurses greatly assists clients who are referred for both urinary and faecal incontinence, including those who require catheter management.

Support is also given to those who are discharged from hospital and requiring short-term catheter care and product advice.

The increase in Stomal Therapy/Continence nurses has marked a significant milestone for the longstanding Barossa Ostomy Support Group, who continually advocate for proactive stomal therapy services in the Barossa and Gawler.

The group’s actions have led to ongoing peer support to ostomates through their monthly meetings, with Rachel Carr assisting member’s needs.

For more information about the stomal therapy and continence services available or for a referral, either by self-referral or by a GP, please contact your local GP or the Country Referral Unit on 1800 003 307.

Quotes attributable to Chris Picton

These two new Stomal Therapy and Continence Nurses will provide valuable support to people in the Barossa, Gawler and Southern Fleurieu after ostomy surgery. Having these services available close to home will provide a great deal of comfort for people in those communities.

Along with the Member for Light, Tony Piccolo, I met with the Barossa Ostomy Support Group in June to discuss the need for good access to health support for people living with Stoma in Gawler and the Barossa.

I want to thank Tony for his advocacy on this important issue, and to the Barossa Ostomy Support Group for the work they do in the community for people living with Stoma.

Quotes attributable to Tony Piccolo MP, Member for Light

I am delighted to have a new, dedicated Stomal Therapy Nurse in the Barossa and Gawler regions. This will be greatly received by the residents in my community who can receive care closer to home.

Quotes attributable to Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Bronwyn Masters

The introduction of these new nurses is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that people who live with stomal and continence issues have access to high-quality care management.

With these new roles, we are ensuring that support for ostomates and individuals managing continence issues remains robust and accessible, no matter where people live in our local health network.

We welcome the new nurses and thank the longstanding services of our retired Barossa and Gawler Stomal Therapy Nurses, Kath Gribble and Jan Campbell. Your care, compassion and education in support of ostomates has been invaluable.

Quotes attributable to Barb Alexander, Founder, Barossa Ostomy Support Group

Having been without a local Stomal Therapy Nursing service in the Gawler, Barossa Community Health Area since 2020, the Barossa Ostomy Support Group is thrilled to welcome Rachel Carr, a highly experienced Stomal Therapy Nurse, to the region.

This news has been met with enthusiasm and relief from the ostomates, doctors and nurses in the area, knowing the appropriate care is now available to ostomates and their families.

A Stomal Therapy Nurse provides expert long-term care, education and review for ostomates and their families, and will continue to support them through any struggles and challenges which come with their 'new life changes'.