NHS Care Services

Ostomy NHS Service

NHS Scotland Stoma Service

From 1 April 2006 the supply of stoma appliances became:

"a service in its own right, with minimum service standards for the supply of stoma appliances which all stoma suppliers must adhere to."

There is a national list of all stoma appliance service providers (appliance suppliers and community pharmacy contractors), who are able to dispense prescriptions for stoma appliances wherever the patient lives in Scotland. The products which may be supplied as part of the stoma appliance service are included in the Part 6 of the Drug Tariff. Providers will be remunerated £13.00 per item supplied as part of this service.

All registered stoma service providers must abide by the Stoma Service Standards.

These standards request that stoma service providers ensure:

• The use of appropriately trained staff

• Availability of flange cutting and customisation of appliances on request

• Supply of disposal bags and wipes as required

• Supply and delivery in accordance with patient's needs e.g. delivery times, amounts, use of discreet packaging/carrier

• Home delivery within two working days if requested by the patient

• A confidential and private patient support service is delivered

The Scottish Government established a National Steering Group to oversee the roll out of the new arrangements being implemented from April 2006. The Group is chaired by a senior NHS Board Executive and comprises representatives of patients and all other key stakeholders, i.e. appliance suppliers, stoma nurses, pharmacy representatives and relevant NHS administrators.

A patient leaflet is available from the Scottish Government outlining the changes to the service and what patients can expect from the new standards. To read more about the new healthcare and appliance supply arrangements for stoma patients in the community which came into place on 1 April 2006 click here.

Circulars

PCA(P)(2007)29 This circular confirms the distribution arrangements for the above revised patient leaflet which outlines stoma supply arrangements

HDL (2006) 15 This Letter follows the issue of HDLs (2005) 24, 36 and 54 and promulgates final arrangements for the supply of stoma appliances in the community from 1 April 2006.

PCA(P)(2006)01This circular is to confirm the distribution arrangements for the above patient information leaflet which outlines the new stoma supply arrangements from 1st April 2006.

HDL (2005) 54 This Letter provides updated guidance to NHS Boards on the detail of the National and Local Action Plans to introduce new arrangements for the supply of stoma appliances to patients in the community.

HDL (2005) 36 This Circular provides updated guidance to NHS Boards on the detail of National and Local Action Plans relating to the introduction of new arrangements for the supply of stoma appliances to patients in the community.

HDL (2005) 24This Circular details an Action Plan that will lead to the introduction of new arrangements for the supply of stoma appliances to patients in the community. This follows the consultation conducted in June 2003 and the announcement in January 2005 of the way forward.