Stoma therapy: supporting people

There are currently more than 13,000 people living with a stoma in Belgium. This makes the role of stoma therapists more important than ever. At Europa Hospitals, the Stoma Therapy Department is a real pillar of support, combining medical expertise, a listening ear and personalised support for patients with a stoma.

In this multidisciplinary service, patients are supported at every stage of their journey: before, during and after their hospitalisation. Every experience is unique. The most important thing is to find a solution that meets everyone's needs.

Support from day one

Stoma therapy can start at different times: during the surgical consultation, during hospitalisation or at the patient's direct request. During the preoperative consultation, stoma therapists answer questions, prepare the patient for the procedure, present demonstration materials and ensure continuity of follow-up. 

During hospitalisation, they work closely with the care teams to ensure a safe return home, in close collaboration with the bandagers.The service follows the recommendations of Afiscep and guarantees treatment that meets the strictest standards for stoma therapy in Belgium.

A patient testifies: "I feel like living again"

On World Ostomy Day, a 74-year-old patient being treated at the Europa Hospitals agreed to share her experiences anonymously. A moving story, marked by resilience and hope.

"At first, I had problems with leakage, everything was difficult. A nurse had to visit three times a day. I thought I would never recover." The patient even says that she went through moments of extreme despair.

Thanks to the intervention of Jonathan Cortes Garrido, a stoma therapist at the hospital, the situation gradually changed. "He suggested irrigations and adapted equipment. That was the solution. Today, I am living again. I want to enjoy the little things in everyday life."

This patient speaks candidly about the difficulty of the diagnosis, the fears of the unknown, the challenges of daily life, but also about the solidarity of her loved ones and the constant kindness of the healthcare providers. "Everyone was wonderful. Thanks to the team, I quickly regained my self-confidence."

Her message to people going through the same thing? ‘Never give up. With courage and time, you get used to it and learn to take care of yourself.’

An accessible service close to patients

Consultations take place every week on Wednesdays at the St-Elisabeth site (02-614 27 40 or 02-614 27 20) and on Fridays at the St-Michiel site (02-614 37 40 or 02-614 37 20).

For more information: https://www.cliniquesdeleurope.be/en/department/stomatherapy