Question reference: S4W-30642
- Asked by: Jim Hume, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 10 March 2016
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 21 March 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to implement the recommendation in the report, Stoma Appliance Service in the Community: Stoma Care Quality and Cost Effectiveness Review 2015, regarding (a) investing in additional clinical nurse specialists to improve patient care and cost effectiveness, (b) the raising awareness of, and improving communication about, care services and (c) redefining the roles and responsibilities of care and district nurses.
Answer
The Stoma Appliance Service in the Community: Stoma Care Quality and Cost Effectiveness Review 2015 notes that a range of nurses with mixed responsibilities can support patients who have stomas. There are many nurses within differing units and specialities within NHS boards, including in the community, who are able to support stoma patients who do not have the clinical nurse specialist title.
In 2015-16 the government invested over £2.4 million of recurring funding to enhance access to specialist nursing and care, including the appointment of additional specialist nurses. NHS boards are responsible for ensuring that these funds deliver maximum benefit for patient care.
The review highlighted a need to raise awareness of stoma care services and improve information to patients about what services, help and advice are available to them. Recommendations 3, 4 and 16 of the review outline actions for both NHS boards and for stoma appliance contractors specifically on advice, help and contact with healthcare professionals, and on services and information to patients.
The review does not make a recommendation to redefine the roles and responsibilities of care and district nurses. In addition to providing day to day care, district nurses also ensure patients receive specialist care when needed, from clinical nurse specialists. Scotland's Chief Nursing Officer is leading work to review and refocus the role of district nurses; the provision of wound care, including for individuals with stomas, will remain a key element of their role.