Stoma Services

Service specification (what it is, how it works)

A stoma service in the pharmacy sector refers to the support provided to patients who have undergone surgery to create a stoma—an artificial opening in the abdomen that allows waste (faeces or urine) to exit the body into a pouch. This is common after operations for conditions like bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, or bladder issues.

What Does the Service Include?

  1. Supply of Stoma Appliances and Accessories
    • Patients need specialist products such as stoma bags, baseplates, skin barriers, and disposal items.
    • Pharmacies or Dispensing Appliance Contractors (DACs) supply these items based on NHS prescriptions.
    • Products are listed in Part IXC of the Drug Tariff.
  2. Customisation of Appliances
    • Some stoma appliances require Stoma Appliance Customisation (SAC) to fit the patient’s measurements for comfort and to prevent leakage.
  3. Advice and Support
    • Pharmacists provide guidance on stoma care, skin protection, and managing complications like leakage or irritation.
    • They also advise on medication issues (e.g., absorption changes, high-output stomas) and when to refer to a stoma nurse. [pharmaceut…ournal.com]
  4. Prescription Management
    • Patients receive prescriptions from their GP or stoma nurse and can choose where to have them dispensed (pharmacy or DAC).
  5. Home Delivery
    • Many suppliers offer home delivery for convenience, especially for patients with mobility issues. [urostomyas…ion.org.uk]

How It Works in Practice

  • After surgery, the hospital stoma nurse sets up the patient with initial supplies and explains the process.
  • The patient then gets repeat prescriptions from their GP.
  • The pharmacy or DAC dispenses the products, customises them if needed, and may deliver them.

Why Is It Important?

  • Ensures patients have the right products for comfort and hygiene.
  • Reduces complications like skin damage or leakage.
  • Supports independence and quality of life for people living with a stoma.

Here are some key resources and guidelines for stoma services in the pharmacy sector:

Training & Professional Tools

Patient Education & Support