The Stoma Appliance Scheme is a specialised pharmaceutical benefits programme administered through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. The scheme provides free ostomy appliances to Australian Medicare cardholders who meet the Department’s eligibility criteria. See here for more information about the Stoma Appliance Scheme.

Persons wishing to access subsidised appliances through the Stoma Appliance Scheme must be a member of one of the 21 National Associations located throughout Australia and pay a compulsory annual Stoma Appliance Scheme Access (SAS) Fee.

Subsidised ostomy supplies are available through the Stoma Appliance Scheme from NSW stoma Ltd or one of the other 20 Stoma Associations located around Australia. Members of the scheme pay a compulsory  Access Fee to their association of choice to access the scheme. Please see our ordering page for more information about joining and ordering arrangements. For details about the location of other Associations please see www.australianstoma.com.au/Member Associations.html.

Whether or not you should tell your friends and family about your stoma surgery is an individual choice. Some people like to keep their condition private whilst others are quite open about it. Either way, it is important to remember that stoma surgery is life-saving surgery and is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.

The most common types of stoma are Colostomy (where the stoma is formed from the large intestine), Ileostomy (where the stoma is formed from the small intestine), and Urostomy also known as an Ileil Conduit (for the evacuation of urine from the kidneys). Other types of stoma include a Mace, Mitronoff and Chait button.

Most persons with a stoma can swim without fear of appliance leakage. Some ostomy suppliers offer a bag intended to be used during activities such as swimming but all appliances can be worn in the water. Those people using an appliance with a filter may like to cover the filter with a stick-on cover. Some of the newer filters are Teflon coated which means that a filter cover is no longer necessary.

Having a stoma should not stop you from travelling and many of our members travel internationally on a regular basis. It is a good idea to keep a good supply of appliances in your carry on luggage, just in case your checked luggage is misplaced. Remember to precut any appliances before you go as you wont be able to take scissors onto the plane with you. If travelling internationally, contact the Association to arrange a Travel Certificate which explains your condition in several languages to assist with any Customs enquiries. For those members travelling for extended periods of time, Australia does have reciprocal health agreements in place with some countries which may cover ostomy supplies. See here for more details about Reciprocal Health Agreements.

Persons travelling through Sydney airport may like to take advantage of the Sydney Airport Hidden Disabilities initiative.

If you are experiencing problems with your stoma please contact your stomal therapy nurse or medical practitioner. In case of emergency, please contact the Emergency department of your nearest hospital or phone 000.

Association staff and volunteers cannot provide medical advice or assistance. To contact the NSW Stoma Ltd Stomal Therapy Nurse please make an appointment via email or text to: 

    Anne Marie Lyons STN
        Mob: 0468 582 951
        Email: stomanurse@nswstoma.org.au