Stoma group’s Christmas event
A Sligo support group for people living with a stoma has proven so successful they’re opening their annual Christmas dinner up to the rest of the country.
Every year, the Sligo Stoma Support Group has held a Christmas dinner and this year, the national group, Ireland Ileostomy Association (IIA), asked if they would make it a national event.
Around 150 people from around the country are expected to attend the dinner at Sligo Park Hotel in Sligo this Friday, 23rd November as a result.
The Sligo Stoma Support group supports people with a stoma and lobbies for improved services.
It is hoped that the national annual dinner will raise awareness and lessen the stigma for those who have a stoma.
Stoma surgery results in an opening being made in the abdomen that can be connected to either the digestive or urinary system, to allow waste to be diverted to an external pouch or bag, known as a stoma.
More than 2,000 people a year undergo this surgery in Ireland.
One of the event organisers, Mary McLoughlin, says she hopes that by attending this event, people living with a stoma will be able to meet others in similar situations and might join – or even set up – their own support group.
“A lot of people leave hospital with a stoma and don’t know enough about how this is going to impact on their lives,” says Mary, who has a stoma herself and was one of the founding members of the Sligo Stoma Support Group.
“I have a stoma for 20 years so I know how they are feeling and the questions they have and hope that by attending a support group, they will feel less isolated and know that they can lead a full and active life.”
“The Sligo group is going from strength to strength and we really want to be an inspiration to others around the country to set up their own support groups,” she added.
The Sligo Stoma Support Group was set up in 2000 by Stoma Care Nurse Specialist Susan Moore and patients from Sligo University Hospital.
It started with five people and has since grown to more than 50 members and is one of the strongest in the country. The group is open to Sligo and the surrounding counties of Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Donegal and beyond.
The aim of the group is to provide an understanding, safe and confidential place for people to explore the day-today challenges they face while preparing for stoma surgery or living with a stoma. Many people find it difficult to discuss issues with their doctor, families and peers, making the support groups invaluable.
The group meets on the last Tuesday of every month, at the Sligo Cancer Support Centre.
“We are very aware of the work that the Sligo Stoma Support Group have been doing and we are proud that they choose us for such an important event,” said Sligo Park Hotel General Manager, Gerard Moore.