Positive Experience for Cornish Optimists

Led by Sue Hatton, Chair of the new Colostomy Association, a group of ostomates and their partners - a support group called 'Optimists' as it includes anyone who has a bag or pouch - visited Medilink in Redruth and were given, as Sue said, "a fascinating insight into the home delivery system that we 'patients' take for granted."

Reporting on the visit, Sue continued: "Linda Congdon who heads the team in Redruth, gave us a brilliant talk. She described how a new ostomate is measured up for their pouch by the Stoma Care Nurse - the team has a close relationship with our Stoma Care Nurses in Treliske Hospital in Truro - the template is taken and a prescription is sent to Salts who keep all the patient's details. They then phone through to the relevant stoma care supplier and once the goods are received (generally within 24hrs), the team leaps into action, sometimes cutting the holes themselves, pack up the supplies (very discreetly) and navigate their way to our homes with our box of goodies which can be left in a prearranged location. We have some very tricky routes here in Cornwall, and the team have to be good map readers!

"Linda told us how they keep supplies for emergencies as there are times when patients have had problems and run out of their pouches. Medilink will always come out with some spares if a patient is distressed or concerned. Indeed, one of the Optimists mentioned that the Medilink team came to her rescue when she ran out of pouches while on holiday in France, quickly sending new pouches out to her.

"The team also has a wealth of knowledge of skin problems and will advise on the best sprays, wipes, deodorants, etc. We were able to see some new supplies, try sprays and had a hilarious time discussing all our different methods of coping with bag changing and leakage problems. We all appreciate having the choice of where our supplies come from and value independence and there is never any pressure from Salts to use their own supplies - no hard sell - just a very professional, competent service.

"As we were leaving, one of our members whispered to me that she used another very good supplier - 'Medilink' - we both hooted with laughter when I explained that Salts and Salts Medilink were a service provided by the same company!

"Our thanks to Linda, Anne, Debbie and Gill for their unfailing help to all of us and for allowing us to bombard their offices!"

If anyone would like more details of the Optimists group in Cornwall, please contact Sue Hatton on 01326 340058.