Mission Statement

To work together with families, all medical professions, and local Health Authorities, to ensure ostomates and persons with related surgeries of every age and culture in New Zealand and within our region, receive, free of charge, the best care and equipment that will enable them to lead normal lives of optimum quality.

Charter of Ostomates Rights

Receive pre-operative counseling to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of the operation and the essential facts about living with a stoma.
Have a wel-constructed stoma place at an appropriate site, and with the full and proper consideration to the comfort of the patient.
Receive experienced and professional medical support and stoma nursing care in the pre-operative period both in hospital and in their community.
Receive full and impartial information about relevant supplies and products available in their country.
Have the opportunity to choose from the available variety of stoma management products without prejudice or constraint.
Be given information about their National Ostomy Association and the services and support which can be provided.
Receive support and information for the benefit of the family, personal carers and friends to increase their understanding of the condition and adjustments which are necessary for achieving a satisfactory standard of life with a stoma.

Responsibilities of Ostomates

To use the appliance agreed between the Ostomate and the Stomal Therapist. This need not rule out trials of new appliances supplied by an Appliance Distributor or Manufacturer to either the Stomal Therapist of Ostomate.
To us appropriate Ostomy Equipment in an efficient and effective manner.
To work in conjunction with health carers to maintain a standard of health and hygiene which is appropriate to the Ostomate’s situation.
In the event of an Ostomate developing problems to consult the Stomal therapy Nurse without undue delay.