Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, promotes stoma awareness
As a result of Edward’s treatment for bowel cancer, in 2021, he had a temporary stoma. Edward has worked to promote bowel cancer and stoma awareness in an attempt to combat societal stigma. As part of his ongoing campaign, he has arranged an event to promote stoma awareness in the Scottish Parliament. Edward is hoping to achieve five asks for stoma users:
To ensure patients have the choice of the most appropriate product or service to suit their needs.
To facilitate and enable equitable patient access to specialist stoma care support, education and advice.
To offer people with a stoma an annual review to ensure they have the best quality of life.
To put in place educational modules to bring nurses into the profession, ensure robust succession plans are in place and to have adequate specialist nurses to support the c.20,000 ostomates across Scotland.
To ensure Health Boards collaborate through a national once for Scotland approach and share best practice to deliver the highest quality service.
In the lead up to the event, Edward sent every MSP a colonoscopy bag to raise their awareness of stoma care.
Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“I am delighted that the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, have taken an interest in my campaign and will attend tonight. There are 20,000 ostomates in Scotland and we need to ensure they get the best possible care. Stomas give ‘life’ and it is important to combat any stigmas regarding them.”
ENDS