WA Ostomy Association

25/12/2025

We’ve got word Santa has finished delivering presents, and now chilling out at a secluded beach in Western Australia.
Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Day! 🎁 🎄 🎅

19/12/2025

Northam Dec 2025

Well “that’s a wrap” as they say!

Earlier this week I travelled to Northam for my last rural trip of the year. A total of 8 ostomates were seen in the STN clinic and one was visited as an inpatient. I had the opportunity to catch up with the outpatient manager who is working hard to get a CNS position up and running at the hospital that will cover continence, wound and stoma care. The specialist nursing service is certainly needed in the area so fingers crossed for a positive outcome in the new year.

My first rural trip for 2026 will be to Albany and Esperance in February, for further information please email info@waostomy.org.au

Today is the last opening day at WAOA for the two weeks over Xmas – reopening on the 5th January 2026. Until then have a safe and happy festive season whatever you are doing and I hope that 2026 is one that brings health and happiness.

18/12/2025

Reminder that we close from 1pm today for the holiday period
All of us at WAOA wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and we will see you again in 2026!!

A reminder to all that WA Ostomy will be closed for a period of time between Christmas and the New Year to allow our volunteers and staff a well deserved break.

We encourage those who have had their stoma for more than 6 months to consider placing a double order for the holiday period.

If you will need products before we close for Christmas we strongly recommend that your order is placed by 1pm on Friday December 5th.

15/12/2025

If, like us, you are struggling to understand the horrors from Bondi Beach last night please consider helping in the best way we can right now - by donating blood. With many victims losing vast amounts of blood, Lifeblood has accessed stocks from across the country and its important that we try and replenish what we can.

Also remember that help is available if you are struggling following the events in Sydney and you can contact services like Lifeline or Beyond Blue for support

Our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy.
On Sunday evening Lifeblood issued several life-threatening orders for O negative blood, in the wake of the incident at Bondi Beach.
Please make an appointment for the coming days and weeks if you can https://app.lifeblood.com.au/XW3k/d9wncrn5

10/12/2025

04/12/2025

20/11/2025

19/11/2025

Exciting news for those with fistulising Crohn's disease - hopefully relief can be on the way soon

Scientists at Oxford University have identified the rogue fibroblast cells at the heart of Crohn’s disease fistulas, which are painful tunnel like tracts that affect up to 30 percent of patients.

Using cutting edge single cell and spatial analysis, the researchers found these fibroblasts behave like fetal gut cells, aggressively breaking down tissue and laying down scar tissue. This process allows these tunnels to form and persist.

Excitingly, traces of these cells are seen even in very early Crohn’s ulcers, meaning new treatments could one day prevent fistulas before they start.

The team’s work creates a valuable public resource for scientists and offers hope for novel drug discovery focused on real gut healing, not just inflammation control.

This could transform care for people with inflammatory bowel disease worldwide.

If you or someone you know is affected by Crohn’s, this breakthrough brings us closer to more effective treatments and better futures.

15/11/2025

https://sportmanual.co.uk/2025/11/12/bodybuilder-proudly-returns-to-the-stage-with-stoma-bag-following-life-altering-bowel-cancer-diagnosis/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=larrywheels&utm_campaign=picturepost&fbclid=IwZnRzaAOFY3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5CGNhbGxzaXRlAjI1AAEezroB7uUHrRjmyIvzSEaYyndXWew2b1X7MSdN28kOIP2KrLlVbKaxm81l04A_aem_h0anDfZVd1REiruu4hRfqg

A Welsh bodybuilder who was told he might not live past 40 after doctors initially missed his bowel cancer has made a defiant return to competition — scars, stoma bag and all.

13/11/2025

Kalgoorlie 7-9th November 2025

Last weekend was a whistle stop visit to Kalgoorlie to attend the ostomy support group and run a STN clinic.

It was lovely to catch up with familiar faces and some new . We had 6 members and 1 partner attend the support group meeting and a total of 12 ostomates were seen over the weekend.

It was great to catch up with Anne who has recently completed the STN course and exploring ways that she can utilise her new skills for the benefit of the ostomy community in and around Kalgoorlie.

There was also time for a visit to the general ward at Kalgoorlie hospital where hospital ostomy supplies were checked and discussions with staff had re the ongoing challenges of supporting ostomates, particularly those who have surgery in Kalgoorlie.

Before leaving town there was opportunity to meet with Abbie who is hoping to attend the next ostomy support group in December.

Thank you once again to Gloria and her team at The Goldfields Women’s Health Centre for the ongoing use of their facilities.

Narrogin and perhaps a visit to Northam before the end of December will hail the completion of this years rural visits.

12/11/2025

Two years ago I had to evacuate my house with my kids due to a bushfire emergency. In a moment of panic I didn’t plan. I just grabbed clothes and my ostomy kit. I didn’t grab enough belongings as I naively thought I’d be fine to return the next day. We were lucky, it was only a few days. There was no damage to my property but the fire was less than 100 metres from my house.
This morning I received an email from the ABC about being ready and planning for emergencies. Here is the link. Also think about having a grab and go bag for your ostomy supplies!!

Up to date information about bushfires, storms, flooding and other emergencies from around Australia, along with advice to protect you and your property.

12/11/2025