"Amazing Stoma Nurse"

I’ve had Crohn’s Disease since 2000 and have had great support from the the IBD team at the RAH but, in May 2022 my worst nightmare happened and I had to have an emergency ileostomy. I can’t tell you how much I dreaded the idea of this operation and worried that I wouldn’t be able to cope.

I was introduced to my stoma nurse, Claire , immediately prior to the operation and from the very first moment, she was reassuring and supportive. She has the loveliest disposition and is so caring and empathetic.

Following the operation, Claire has supported me every step of the way, giving advice, reassurance and helping me to see the ileostomy as a positive step  - rather than the nightmare I had envisioned.

Since my discharge from hospital, I have had regular follow-up appointments with Claire and she always reminds me that I can call her at any time if I have a problem. 

I hope she knows just how good she is and how much she is appreciated.

I will be forever grateful to her for making what I anticipated to be the worst experience imaginable, into something positive which has improved the quality of my life so much. I wish every stoma patient could have a nurse like Claire to take care of them.