come a long way and there are products available now for many specific problems. Special adhesive doesn’t deteriorate in the presence of urine, giving urostomists more security. Vastly improved charcoal filters are effective against ballooning (although I still think pancaking can be a major irritation for many colostomists). Two-piece bags are far more flexible and easier to use and many drainable appliances now use a Velcro-style closure, a vast improvement on bulky plastic clips. Convex products have been another valuable addition to a range of products for what stoma care nurses would call ‘problem’ stomas. We have come a long way since we landed a man on the moon and many developments are a direct result of the research undertaken by NASA. It still leaves us frustrated, though, when simple things still seem beyond us. For me it will continue to be pancaking. Whenever I come across a patient for whom all the known preventive actions still don’t work, I’ll be muttering under my breath, ‘If we can put a man on the moon, surely we can prevent pancaking!’ I wonder what your particular gripe is?
The anniversary of Charter stoma care
stoma care Publication of Charter stoma care is made possible through the support of Coloplast Limited. Editor Tina Lightfoot RGN MSc Lead Specialist Nurse for Gastrointestinal Services (Surgery), Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust, Chester Editorial Board Anne Demick National Secretary, IA, Ballyclare Helen R Dorrance MBChB(Ed) FRCS (Gen Surg) Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow
Speaking of anniversaries, Charter stoma care is celebrating its tenth birthday. Some of you may remember the first edition of this journal. I know that as professionals we couldn't get enough of them to give to our patients. The original format was a success and has changed little over the years. To celebrate our birthday, the Editorial Board have been looking back at the early issues and have decided to reprint some outstanding articles. These have stood the test of time and deserve another airing for our new readers to enjoy. So raise a glass in celebration and here’s to another ten years.
Ernie Hulme Trustee, Colostomy Association, Reading
Tina Lightfoot, Editor
Theresa Porrett RGN MSc Nurse Consultant in Coloproctology, Homerton Hospital, London
The Editor Charter stoma care Hayward Medical Communications 8–10 Dryden Street London WC2E 9NA Tel: 020 7240 4493 email: edit@hayward.co.uk
Useful contacts ■ For urgent medical information or health advice, please ask your doctor or stoma care nurse, or phone NHS Direct. Tel: 0845 4647. ■ For advice on, or to order, stoma care products, please contact Charter Healthcare. Freephone: 0800 132 787. website: www.charterhealthcare.co.uk
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Charles Knowles BChir PhD FRCS(Gen Surg) Senior Lecturer and Colorectal Surgeon, Queen Mary University, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London Tim Norton BSc(Hons) Dip Human Sexuality RMN Senior Lecturer and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, University of Cumbria, Lancaster Hazel Pixley National Secretary, Urostomy Association, Uttoxeter
Editorial Director Elaine Bennett. Senior Sub Editor Joel Barrick. Editorial Assistant Claire Robertson. Art Editor Richard Seymour. Art Director Andrina de Paiva. Publisher Keena McKillen. The data, opinions and statements appearing in the articles herein are those of the contributor(s) concerned; they are not necessarily endorsed by the sponsor, publisher, Editor or Editorial Board. Accordingly, the sponsor, publisher, Editor and Editorial Board and their respective employees, officers and agents accept no liability for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement. Published by Hayward Medical Communications, a division of Hayward Group Ltd, The Pines, Fordham Road, Newmarket CB8 7LG. Tel: 01638 723560. Fax: 01638 723561. email: admin@hayward.co.uk Design & Editorial Office Hayward Medical Communications, 8–10 Dryden Street, London WC2E 9NA. Tel: 020 7240 4493. Fax: 020 7240 4479. email: edit@hayward.co.uk Copyright © 2009 Hayward Group Ltd. All rights reserved. ISSN 1466-3708. Printed by Turners.
CHARTER STOMA CARE ISSUE 34