General News
27 June, 2025
Ostomateship is crucial
As the nation celebrates Stomal Therapy Week from June 23 to 29, Grampians Health acknowledges its vital support network, which provides care to community members with a stoma.
This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating ostomateship’, and a Horsham-based stoma therapy nurse, Bernadette Beahan, would like to thank those who support her in her role.
“An ostomate is someone who has a stoma, which is a surgically created opening in the digestive or urinary system,” She said.
“There are several scenarios for an individual to require a stoma. In instances of bowel or bladder cancer it may be necessary for a surgeon to insert an artificial opening on the wall to the abdomen to collect waste.
“There are different types of stomas, and the types depend on the location and manner of surgery along the digestive or urinary tract.”
Ms Beahan provides specialist care and support to patients in her role from across the Wimmera Mallee in the management of their stoma.
She provides practical and emotional support to patients with temporary and permanent stomas, with the ultimate goal that they not only adapt but also learn to thrive and participate in their usual activities.
“Of course I can’t do that without support,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge the substantial contribution made by my clinician colleagues for their expertise and care for our ostomates.
“And more importantly, is the contribution and support given by family and carers to their loved ones living with a stoma.”