Quality patient education of how to care for their stoma improves patient outcomes and enhances quality of care and efficacy. There is a need for home visits to assist ostomates with rehabilitation of their stoma formation, as they often feel stigmatised and are likely to withdraw from social activities. It has previously been highlighted that community care is often the weakest link in rehabilitation, highlighting the need for effective teamwork and collaboration between stoma nurse specialists and community nurses. This article will focus on some of the more common complications of stomas which will be seen in the community setting, how to treat these conditions and when patients should be referred to the specialist stoma care nurse.

Sinéad Kelly O'Flynn - Clinical Research Nurse, County Cork, Ireland