Major upgrade for stoma care at Yeovil Hospital with new dedicated department
New department provides improved care environment for patients
A new stoma care department has officially opened at Yeovil Hospital, promising patients a vastly improved environment where all stoma-related care is available in one place.
For years, the hospital's stoma care team has delivered expert care to nearly 1,200 patients annually, running around 650 outpatient clinics each year. But until this week, they had to share clinic rooms with other specialties, making access challenging for some and limiting the services they could offer.
The new facility, situated in a unit located on the former hospital car park beside the day theatre centre, has addressed those issues. It features a reception area, three dedicated ventilated clinic rooms, a nursing office, and a stock room - all designed with patients' needs in mind.
Hannah Ayling, a stoma care clinical nurse specialist at Yeovil Hospital, said receiving care in one place would make a significant difference for patients.
“Moving into this new unit means we have a self-sufficient space for our patients, so we can provide care all in one place,” she said.
“The clinic rooms are ventilated, meaning we can now offer irrigation services, and the additional space gives us the opportunity to explore new services for our patients.
“Overall, it’s fantastic that patients now have their own space, which is more discreet if they experience any difficult issues.”
Yeovil Hospital’s team of stoma care nurses support patients before and after surgery, teaching them how to manage their stoma and handle challenges such as pouch changes or skin care. The aim is to help them feel comfortable and confident in managing their condition.
Rachel Doyle, the lead stoma care nurse at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Yeovil Hospital, called the new department a "game changer" that will allow for even better patient care in future.
“The facilities here are fit for purpose and will now allow us to offer services we couldn’t before, such as colostomy irrigation,” Doyle said.
“It’s a much more spacious, light, and bright area where we can work to our full potential – and, most importantly, it’s a safe space where patients can talk to us about absolutely anything without worrying about interruptions or confidentiality.”
Yeovil Hospital's stoma care patients may have undergone surgery due to conditions like bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, trauma, or bowel obstruction. They continue to visit stoma nurses for support at all stages of their recovery.
Doyle added, “There are many myths and misconceptions about stomas that keep people from asking the questions they want to ask or coming to us for advice.
“But the bags are very discreet and secure under clothing – people walk around every day with them, and often you’d have no idea they have one.
“If you’re worried about having a stoma, come and speak to your stoma nurses. We’re here to support you no matter what and always happy to answer your questions to help you feel more at ease.”
Patients who want to learn about the new department or take a closer look at the facilities are welcome to visit, Doyle added.