Stoma nurse shortage strains care for regional South Australian patients
Mount Gambier has lost one of its two full-time stoma nurses, leaving a single nurse available only one day a week while other staff receive basic training.
In Mount Gambier, the departure of one of two full-time stoma nurses means the remaining nurse works only one day per one outlet, prompting worries about adequate support for the region’s more than 200 stoma patients. Patients like David Platt, who runs a local support group, note that serious issues can force older residents to travel to Adelaide for care. The Limestone Coast Local Health Network’s chief executive, Emma Poland, said recruitment for a permanent specialist is ongoing and that existing staff have received wound, stoma and continence education, with some attending workshops in Adelaide.
The network is also using locum agencies to fill gaps temporarily. Independent Member Travis Fatchen has raised the shortage in state parliament and suggested adding stoma training to nursing curricula. The qualification to become a stoma nurse costs $14,000 and takes a year to complete.
Why it matters
Limited specialist nursing threatens timely care for regional patients with urostomies and colostomies.
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