THE Countess of Chester Hospital is holding an open day at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall to show the advances in treatment for stoma care patients.

The trust’s colorectal team – Penny Fitzgerald, Tina Lightfoot, Julie Clements and Maria Brown – are holding the open day at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Wednesday, April 21.

All stoma patients from Chester, Deeside and the Ellesmere Port area are invited to the event between 1.30pm and 5.30pm.

An abdominal stoma can be formed for a number of reasons including; bowel diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohns, Diverticular disease, fistulas or bladder disease.

Many will be temporary but generally those with bladder disease will have a permanent stoma.

All the major appliance manufacturers will be at the event to show the latest improvements in stoma care and the most up-to-date products and accessories will also be on display.

Maria Brown, AP in Stoma Care, said: “People who attended last year’s event commented that it was great to be able to talk to manufacturers about the range of products and to have the chance to offer suggestions on how they could be improved.

“This year there will be a talk from a dietician. There will also be complementary therapy available for stoma patients, an Indian head massage and reflexology.”

Visitors will be able to find out about the Stoma Social Support Group which meets every three months and they can also talk to a Stoma Buddy.

Penny Fitzgerald, coloproctology specialist nurse, commented: “The Stoma Buddies will all be at the open day to talk with patients who are new to living with a stoma.

“The Buddies are patients themselves and have been trained in communication and support skills.”