Two Restrooms Adapted for Ostomates Installed at Alicante General Hospital

Ostomates will now enjoy greater comfort during their visits to Alicante General Hospital. The centre now features two restrooms adapted to the needs of these patients, who have a surgically created artificial opening from the body to allow the passage of urine and faeces.

Both spaces, separated by gender, have been integrated into the ground floor restrooms near the main entrance to facilitate accessibility for any ostomate visiting the hospital.

As stated by Francisco Soriano, manager of the Alicante General Hospital Health Department, "this adaptation represents progress in terms of social integration for ostomates, while also raising awareness about the comprehensive care needs of these patients. It is also a testament to our centre's commitment to humanisation and improving the quality of patient care."

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the externalisation of a bodily duct, organ, or viscera through a stoma or catheter, allowing the artificial exit of bodily fluids. These effluents are collected by a system of bags designed to ensure maximum hygiene, cleanliness, and comfort.

"We have installed two toilets equipped with various elements to facilitate the hygiene of ostomates, allowing them to change or empty the collection bag they carry on their abdomen. They are positioned at sink height and include a full-length mirror to observe the abdomen, a hook to hang the bag, and a pull-out faucet for rinsing the devices," explained Francisco Soriano.

The new restrooms have been designed in accordance with the technical specifications of the Spanish Federation of Ostomates Associations (FAPOE). This week, the centre received a visit from the president of the Valencian Association of Ostomates (AVADO), Mª Jesús Fuertes, and the treasurer, Urbana Gutiérrez, who came to see firsthand these facilities that help normalise the lives of ostomates and, as they have verified, are properly adapted for these patients.

For the past five years, Doctor Balmis Hospital has had a specialised nursing consultation for ostomates, integrated into the General Surgery and Digestive System Service and the Urology Service, led by doctors José Manuel Ramia and Enrique Herrero.

Nurse Olga Vela is responsible for this consultation, which is supported by the nursing team from Surgery and Urology and the supervisor, Ana Rosa Mateo.

The aim of this consultation, aimed at both inpatients and outpatients with ostomies, is to provide comprehensive care, improve their quality of life, and ensure continuity of care.

The various interventions developed in this consultation aim to offer patient support for the early detection and treatment of potential complications, as well as patient empowerment, enabling them to achieve satisfactory self-care techniques.