Important message for all Australian Ostomates
In October 2020, the Federal Government called for Expressions of Interest for the provision of product distribution, education and support services for the Stoma Appliance Scheme. In the August edition of Ostomy Australia (page 5) which is now available, our President wrote that the most significant matter that occurred in the last quarter that affects all ostomates is the Federal Health Department’s request for Expressions of Interest for operating the Stoma Appliance Scheme. We are delighted to report that, since the August 21 edition of Ostomy Australia has been printed, the Health Department has announced that “At this time, no future tender process is planned for the program and there is no change to the existing program arrangements.” We thank the Government for this decision that affects the more than 47,000 ostomates around Australia.
The Australian Council of Stoma Associations Inc (ACSA) represents, at a national level, the interests of 21 regional Stoma Associations and, through them, approximately 46,000 persons living with an ostomy and located throughout Australia.
ACSA provides liaison with the Australian Government in relation to access by persons living with an ostomy to products funded through the Stoma Appliance Scheme, coordinates ostomy related support services throughout Australia, provides advocacy for persons living with a stoma in Australia and publishes the national journal “Ostomy Australia” and a general ostomy information booklet “A Beginning Not an End”. Our primary objective is to assist the well being of all persons following ostomy surgery to ensure that they can maintain a normal quality of life where possible.
We also seek to promote an understanding of ostomy within the broader community and encourage visitors to explore all areas of our site to gain familiarity with the world of “ostomy”.