Bolivia, N.C., March 14, 2016 – Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center is now offering a monthly ostomy support group for patients to share experiences, provide support to one another and learn about the most updated products and ostomy information. A certified wound ostomy nurse will be at each meeting to answer questions and address concerns.
An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the body for the discharge of bodily waste. The most common ostomies are colostomies (opening of the colon) and ileostomies (opening of the small intestine). Frequently these surgical openings affect patients’ body image and self-esteem.
“Often patients feel alone, scared and even ashamed after an ostomy surgery,” said Danae Cook Blanks, a certified wound ostomy nurse (CWON) with Brunswick Medical Center. “This program is meant to encourage patients and provide moral support. We want this support group to be a place to discuss tips and tricks to manage ostomies, while also giving patients an outlet to share with others who understand.”
The president of the Novant Health Ostomy Support Group is Lynn Moore, a hospital volunteer and local community member.
“Each new patient has questions about food, travel, supplies, skin care and more,” Moore said. “I’m proud Novant Health now offers a place to get those answers. As a colostomy volunteer, I want to be a listener, a friend, an example and a supporter to each new patient or caregiver who joins us.”
The Novant Health Ostomy Support Group typically meets on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room at Brunswick Medical Center. However, during March, the group will meet on March 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., due to the Easter holiday.
For more information about the support group, call 910-721-2018.
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