Undertake stoma care

This standard covers undertaking the care of a bowel/bladder stoma.  This may be for individuals with new stomas or for individuals with established stomas who are unable to manage their own stoma care.

Where the stoma is newly formed in the immediate post-operative period, these activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following organisational  guidelines and procedures.

The standard is applicable in a variety of care settings including hospitals, care homes, the individuals own home or other community settings such as GP surgeries. 

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. check the individual's identity and confirm the planned activity
9. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with organisational procedures

10. confirm all equipment and materials for stoma care are:

    • as prescribed/detailed in the individual's plan of care
    • appropriate to the procedure
    • fit for purpose
      

11. carry out stoma care:

    • at an appropriate time according to the individual's plan of care
    • using appropriate techniques
    • in line with manufacturer's instructions
    • in a manner which optimises the individual's comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
      

12. observe and support the individual throughout the stoma care

13. recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
14. encourage individuals to communicate any concerns about their stoma care needs and functioning
15. monitor and report on the individual's pattern of stoma function, consistency of body waste and any changes that may have occurred
16. encourage and assist individuals to select and consume food and drink and take medication if prescribed to maintain effective stoma function 
17. provide active support for individuals to manage their own stoma in a manner that promotes self-respect, maximises privacy and is consistent with the plan of care
18. provide stoma care equipment at a time and place convenient to the individuals needs and circumstances
19. take appropriate action when the stoma care equipment appears to be inappropriate or unsuitable
20. give individuals the opportunity to dispose of their own used stoma care equipment and maintain their personal hygiene
21. ensure that equipment and soiled linen is disposed of safely, hygienically and in ways which minimise the risk of cross infection
22. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual 
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
11. why individuals should be supported and informed about the activity/or procedure
12. how your personal beliefs may cause you difficulties with certain procedures and how you manage this conflict in practice
13. the concerns and worries which individuals may have in relation to undertaking stoma care
14. the importance of exercising sensitivity to the individual's perception of the situation
15. the factors which will affect the level of assistance required such as age, medical condition, personal beliefs and preferences
16. the adverse reactions which may occur during and following stoma care activities and how to identify and deal with these
17. the role of the Stoma Care specialist practitioner and how they can be contacted
18. the different types of stoma

19. the anatomy in relation to the position and function of

    • colostomies
    • ileostomies
    • ileal conduits
    • nephrostomy
      

20. the effects of diet and mobility on stoma function

21. the potential consequences of contamination of stoma drainage systems
22. the equipment, materials and appliances available for stoma care
23. the suitability of stoma appliances for different types of stoma
24. the importance of involving the individual in the care of their stoma
25. the importance of providing the individual with sufficient stoma care materials to carry out stoma care themselves
26. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
27. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHCHS10

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Stoma, care

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