Small changes, big impact

Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liz Lupschen is part of the RBWH Stomal Therapy Team

More bench space, extra hooks, and disposable bins might not sound like big adjustments to make to a bathroom, but for people living with a stoma, they make a big difference.

Patient, Mel, who lives with Crohn’s Disease, was on hand at RBWH for the recent opening of the modified bathroom and discussed what it means for her.

“This is the first time I have ever seen a facility designed for someone like me,” Mel said.

“It will provide more privacy, and I hope it is the beginning of more accessible spaces becoming available at RBWH and beyond for people living with a stoma.”

Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liz Lupschen has worked in stoma therapy for almost 20 years and explains what support means for patients.

“There are more than 50,000 people in Australia living with a stoma, and around 200 are created here at RBWH each year,” Liz said.

“The right education and support make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life as they adjust to living with a stoma.

“The modified bathroom at RBWH is another step forward in making our facilities more inclusive for these patients.”

More stoma-friendly bathrooms will be available at RBWH soon.