Stoma Care Services

18/10/2026

Hello, I’m Amanda 👋

I’m a Stomal Therapy Nurse with 14 years’ experience and the founder of Stoma Care Services, established in 2022.

I support people living with a stoma before and after surgery, helping them navigate each stage of their journey. My care doesn’t stop after surgery—I provide ongoing, long-term support to help people manage their stoma, build confidence and prevent complications.

I also deliver education sessions for association members across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia, and provide in-house support for healthcare workers in their workplaces. Growing up in regional South Australia, it’s always been a goal of mine to make regular stoma care more accessible. I’m proud to now hold clinics in Victor Harbor, Murray Bridge, Naracoorte, Mount Gambier and Renmark.

I work weekly with both South Australian stoma associations and have had the privilege of serving as State President of the South Australian Branch of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses for last nearly 6 years.

Running a small business can mean long days—and nights—and this work isn’t always easy. But the people I meet and the difference I can make are what make the challenging days worthwhile. I truly love what I do. My hands, my head and my heart are very full. 💙

I’m glad to reconnect with you here and look forward to sharing more about Stoma Care Services, tips and tricks and what I’m up to on here.

02/10/2026

💜💜Today is World Ostomy Day, and as a Stomal Therapy Nurse, I am honored to celebrate the incredible people I support every day. Behind every stoma is a story of profound resilience, courage, and grace. They navigate challenges that the world often doesn’t see, yet they continue to live with such strength and dignity Whether someone is just beginning their journey or have been living with an ostomy for years, please know that you are seen, you are supported and your story matters. Thank you to every Ostomate for inspiring me daily. 💜💜

30/09/2026

Today I had the privilege of hosting a Basic Stoma education session at an residential aged care facility for 20 of their Registered Nurses. Discussing the 3 main types of Stoma’s, reasons for having a Stoma, common products available and troubleshooting tips and tricks. Followed by an interactive session with lots of questions and questions from the very engaged staff.

28/09/2026

The Australian Stoma Appliance Scheme is 51 years old, having officially commenced on October 1, 1975.

We are very lucky in Australia that our government funds stoma products to individuals living with an Ostomy we are one of very few countries that offer this.

Australia’s Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) helps eligible people with a stoma obtain essential appliances and related products, a national government-funded scheme (Medicare) administered through approved stoma associations.

The scheme provides an entitlement to a set range and quantity of products, this can include:

- Stoma bags or pouches and the associated baseplates/flanges.
- Products for one-piece or two-piece systems.
- Certain accessories, such as skin-protection products, adhesive removers and belts, where included in the scheme’s product rules.

The products and monthly quantities depend on the type of stoma and the scheme’s current listed products which includes over 3400.

The government funds the approved products, and the Stoma Association manages ordering and distribution. Stoma associations charge an annual membership or administration fee to be a ‘member’.

Please see reel for interesting facts and recent data on the 111 million dollar worth of products distributed to over 50k members in 2025-2026.

Stay tuned for next reel and info on Stoma Associations in Australia.




stomaassociations

28/09/2026

The Australian Stoma Appliance Scheme is 51 years old, having officially commenced on October 1, 1975.

We are very lucky in Australia that our government funds stoma products to individuals living with an Ostomy we are one of very few countries that offer this.

Australia’s Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) helps eligible people with a stoma obtain essential appliances and related products, a national government-funded scheme (Medicare) administered through approved stoma associations.

The scheme provides an entitlement to a set range and quantity of products, this can include:

- Stoma bags or pouches and the associated baseplates/flanges.
- Products for one-piece or two-piece systems.
- Certain accessories, such as skin-protection products, adhesive removers and belts, where included in the scheme’s product rules.

The products and monthly quantities depend on the type of stoma and the scheme’s current listed products which includes over 3400.

The government funds the approved products, and the Stoma Association manages ordering and distribution. Stoma associations charge an annual membership or administration fee to be a ‘member’.

Please see reel for interesting facts and recent data on the 111 million dollar worth of products distributed to over 50k members in 2025-2026.

Stay tuned for next reel and info on Stoma Associations in Australia.

21/09/2026

We just hosted the 6th session of our 2026 roadshow, “Navigating Life with a Stoma,” proudly supported byThe Ileostomy Association of SA. It was truly an amazing gathering with 35 local Ostomates and a few caring nurses in attendance.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us — it was wonderful to host this session for the very first time in my hometown of Mount Gambier. Grateful for the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support each other on this journey.

Here’s to more empowering sessions ahead! 💙

18/09/2026

On behalf of SA branch AASTN I had the pleasure to meet Travis Fatchen MP - Member for Mount Gambier today and thank him personally for raising on the Parliament floor the importance of Stomal Therapy Services in the Limestone Coast. I wrote him a letter mid year and in such a short time his actions have helped, one step closer….

Today I had the pleasure of catching up with Amanda, South Australian State President of the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses, when she visited my Mount Gambier office following an information session she delivered for local patients living with a stoma.

Many locals will remember Amanda from her time growing up in Mount Gambier before going on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and build a career in stomal therapy nursing.

Mount Gambier currently does not have a dedicated stoma nurse, however I am pleased to report that recruitment for this position is currently underway.

Earlier this year, I raised this issue in Parliament with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing after concerns were raised by the South-East Stoma Support Group about reduced access to specialist stomal nursing services in our region.

You can read my Question to the Minister here:www.travisfatchen.com.au/parliament/questions/question-minister-health-and-wellbeing-stomal-therapy-services

07/09/2026

Did you know there are 'Ostomy' public toilets. These toilets are a specially designated restroom designed to support individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery. These facilities provide a private, accessible and comfortable space for ostomy patients to manage their ostomy needs.

The universal sign shows a little '+' symbol on the body. These toilets allows Ostomates to feel comfortable and confident using the facility, knowing it has appropriate features such as larger space, mirror, round basin, bench space for products, hand shower and dedicated disposal units.

This video is an Ostomy toilet located at the Colorectal Surgery North Adelaide, to my knowledge the only one in South Australian let me know if I am incorrect.