WA Ostomy Association

02/04/2026

To help raise awareness of ileostomies for Ileostomy Awareness Month, we love to know, ‘what do people often assume about ileostomies that isn’t true?’

Let us know in the comments.

31/03/2026

Report from Rural Health West Conference 14th/15th March 2026

A couple of weeks ago I manned the WAOA stand at the Rural Health West Conference 2026. As expected, the conference didn’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network with other organisations and increase awareness of ostomates whilst promoting the services of WAOA .

The conference is attended by rural GPs, medical students and health providers from Aboriginal Medical Centres from all over the state. It is great to see some familiar faces in addition to making new connections.

One of the medical students from Curtin University who came to WAOA on placement last year made a point of coming to the stand to thank us profusely for the experience she had. The student said shed told everyone on her course how much shed enjoyed it and what she had learnt. Our next cohort of Yr 3 medical students will be joining us in May.

I was privileged to attend some of the seminars over the weekend which included learning more about the benefits and precautions of using AI in medicine, and how Drs can work better with patients using a shared care model. I learnt about the new My Health Care record now called 1800 Medicare where you can access your test results within the 1800 Medicare app. I listened to a debate on whether Drs should be forced to work in remote regions to fill the gaps– both sides presented good arguments but those against the idea won.

I spoke to a surgical registrar from Albany and a GP from Geraldton who had both worked with the STNs in their corresponding areas. Both Drs were very impressed with the STNs standard of care which proves the value of the services provided, particularly in our regional areas - well done Rachael and Kristina!

The conference ended with the keynote speaker: Jana Pittman-such an inspirational woman who is widely known for her achievements in the 400m and hurdles. Plagued by injury that ruled her out in competing in the Olympics Jana took to joining the Australian bobsleigh team. Her career then took an about turn when she decided to pursue a career in medicine whilst being a single parent to 6 children, the youngest being 3 year old twins!! Just goes to show what can be achieved with the right mind set!

Next month I have the privilege of attending the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Conference in Canada where I will be presenting a poster on our Peer Support Service whilst enjoying many networking and learning opportunities.

My next rural trip will be to Exmouth in June- my thoughts go out to all those affected by the impact of the cyclone….

30/03/2026

Wishing our community a wonderful easter!

Reminder that we will be closed for the public holidays around easter, but then it's back to business as usual.

29/03/2026

23/03/2026

We understand that it is a very stressful time for everyone with the ongoing issues stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. We want to assure you that we are not having issues with stoma supplies. The Australian Council of Stoma Associations is working to ensure the supply chain is secure, despite the potential strain on supply pathways. We still encourage members to have a month’s supply in reserve, and to ensure that you allow 14 days for fulfilment of orders.

20/03/2026

With the warm weather continuing we're reminding EVERYONE that you can swim with your bag and have a great time too! Our top tip is that if you're nervous try sitting in the bath in your swimwear for a while and see how confident you feel, this way you're experimenting and growing confidence in a safe environment.
Colostomy UK has an excellent resource on this written by a competitive swimmer. You don't need any fancy extras or accessories. If your supplies come with stickers for the filter this is all you should need!

We understand getting back to swimming after surgery can be daunting. You may be worried about your bag leaking or coming off. Perhaps it's been difficult to regain confidence.

You can find a guide on swimming when you have a stoma, written by classified British para-swimmer Tasha Critchley here https://ow.ly/bJPJ50PhWAj

This incredible and empowering photo is courtesy of Alice, who is on Instagram as .with.ileostomy 💜

17/03/2026

Report for Kalgoorlie 6-9th March

As soon as I arrived in Kalgoorlie it was straight to the hospital where I provided education to 3 new graduate nurses and a new EN . The stoma education included reviewing an ostomate who had been having issues with the skin around her stoma. In addition, there was a young man whose family were having to consider ostomy surgery and the staff requested my input. While at the hospital I was also able to check stoma supplies and sort through some old stock.

On the 7th I spent the day at the Goldfields Women’s Health Centre where I ran the support group alongside Abbie and Anne Grace (local STNs) – it was so good to see them both and wonderful that they are keen to assist with facilitating the group. A total of 9 ostomates attended the meeting where there were interesting discussions held around sleep or the lack of which others have been reiterating in other groups.

Following the support group I ran the STN clinic where I saw a total of 8 ostomates some of whom required ongoing support. Currently a STN service is not available in Kalgoorlie but discussions are being held around this and hopefully and solution will be found soon.

On the way home I stopped in Kellerberrin at a RCH to review an ostomate and provide education to the staff.

Only time for a short break before preparing for the Rural Health West Conference….

10/03/2026

Report for Katanning & Narrogin 3rd and 4th March 2026

Following a request from the CNM for the RCH in Katanning I visited and reviewed a ostomate who had been recently admitted to the facility and provided education to the staff . I was joined by one of the new STN students who lives in the area who took advantage of a learning opportunity. It is exciting to learn that at the end of this year we will have qualified STNs in Narrogin, Katanning and Boddington.

In Narrogin 6 ostomates were reviewed in the STN clinic and another in the local RCH. 11 ostomates attended the support group - it’s wonderful to see the group grow and real friendships form …

09/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength, resilience, and sisterhood of women living with IBD. 💜

Last year, Emma and her friend Alice, who both live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ostomies, shared this powerful message with our community. It resonated and inspired thousands of people around the world.

Today, we’re proud to share their story again in honour of the incredible women in the IBD community:

Sun’s out, medical devices out ❤️

This one's for everyone who’s ever been told they “can’t” or “shouldn’t” because of what their body has been through.

For the people who have scars, bags, tubes, and stories stitched into their skin. For the warriors who've faced surgeries, sickness, and setbacks — and still choose to step out into the world with a smile.

We're not hiding. We're not ashamed. These bags keep us alive, and we're proud of the strength they represent.

Life with a stoma isn't always easy, but it is always worth living to the fullest. We can wear the shorts, rock the crop tops, laugh in the sunshine, and own every part of ourselves — inside and out.

If you're reading this and you're scared about your own surgery, or you're feeling self-conscious about your stoma, know this: you are still you. You are still beautiful. You are still worthy of love, joy, and confidence. And you're never alone.

Here's to showing the world that stomas aren't something to hide — they're a symbol of survival 💪

— Emma & Alice

Today we celebrate women everywhere living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ostomies, and invisible illnesses. Your strength inspires more people than you know. 💜

24/02/2026

17/02/2026

Wishing a wonderful Lunar New Year to all.

Traditional beliefs suggest that this year should be one of high energy, enthusiasm, and potential for significant, positive change.

May the year of the horse bring you luck, peace, happiness and prosperity!

07/02/2026

One of our members has shared that US ileostomate Rugby player Cassidy Bargell, who plays for the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens, is in Perth this weekend representing her country at the HSBC SVNS at HBF Park

While we’ll naturally be cheering on Australia, Cassidy holds a special place in our hearts—showing the world just how strong ostomates truly are. 💪

Cass Bargell called up for USA Women’s Eagles Sevens squad in PerthFri, Feb 6, 2026, 12:15 AM JBby Jenni BurkePhoto Credit: Alex HoCassidy Bargell has been called into the USA Women's Eagles Sevens squad in line to make her sevens debut at this weekend’s HSBC SVNS World Series in Perth.An Englan...