Stoma Care Nurse Clinician
The Department of Colorectal Surgery in Singapore General Hospital sees about 600 new cases annually. Approximately 50% of these cases end up with a stoma creation (an artificial opening on the abdomen to act as the rectum for discharging of faecal matter). Having a Stoma can be a daunting experience for anyone who is not fully prepared for the changes as it entails changes in body image, lifestyle and almost every activity.
The Stoma Care Nurse Clinician is the main link between the patients and the multidisciplinary team comprising the surgeons, physicians, therapists and patients' caregivers. The Stoma Care Nurse Clinician is an active member of the colorectal surgery team, who provides up-to-date and evidence-based information on the nursing management of colorectal patients with a stoma. She trains nurses and other support staff to provide individualised counselling to the newly diagnosed patients with stoma creation, and their caregivers. She is also the expert nurse with advanced skills in managing the ostomy appliances. She is a member of the Ostomy support group and a strong link between the newly diagnosed patients and the support group members.