New report shows 50,000 Australians are being ignored, short-changed and left behind.

50,000 Australians have undergone the trauma and challenge of having a stoma inserted. Now have more reason to ask questions about Government investment in the appliances and products they need. A new report commissioned by the Stoma Industry Association (SIA) shows in black and white how Australia is lagging countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain in supporting this unseen and unheard patient population.

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen to remove body waste, such as faeces and urine. Many conditions can require a stoma, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, bladder cancer, injury trauma, and congenital defects.

The report found that the Quality of Life (QoL) for Australian ostomates (people with a stoma) is lower than other developed nations and the general community.  The reason for this is threefold:

1. Australia reimburses fewer products on the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS). The UK provides 60 per cent more, for example.
2. Australian spending as a percentage of GDP is five times smaller than Canada, and three times smaller than the UK.
3. There are fewer specialist nurses to support the patient population.

The report also details the daily challenges of Australian ostomates:

• 1 in 5 stoma patients isolate themselves from others
• 65 per cent of patients say their ability to work is negatively impacted
• 3 in 5 patients experience a reduction in intimacy

Stoma appliances and supporting products are subsidised by the Commonwealth funded Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS).

There have been five reviews of the SAS, none of which have ever been released.  The current (sixth) review is an opportunity for the Government to Australia up to speed and improve the quality of life for 50,000 ostomates, who should be able enjoy the same quality of life and access to the products they need as patients overseas. 

Statement attributed to:               Matthew Dalton, Chair, Stoma Industry Association (SIA)

Leon Beswick 0414 332267