Rehabilitation Of Colostomy Patients

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29859, 27 June 1962, Page 2

Rehabilitation Of Colostomy Patients

Under the sponsorship of the North Canterbury Centre of the Red Cross Society, a group of persons who have undergone surgery where a colostomy was performed, have formed themselves into sn organisation called the Colostomy Circle. Its aim is to ass:st in the rehabilitation of such patients into a normal life, to help them over the difficult period cf adjustment after discharge from hospital, and to answer any minor queries they may have forgotten to ask in hospital

The organisation had the backing ot surgeons and the medical fraternity, but undertook no clinical advice, said Mrs R. I. Brake, president of the North Canterbury Centre, yesterday. Persons requiring advice or treatment on physiological aspects were referred back to their surgeon. The assistance comes from there who have had a colostomy performed and who have learned to live with it They are foundation members of the organisation, giving of their experience by home visiting and at meetings. The circle has its own committee, and. by paying a small subscription, members automatically become members of the Red Cross Society. Some have begun active Red Cross membership, helping with the Good Neighbour Service. joining first-aid classes and other activities. The first of its kind in New Zealand, the colostomy circle was formed about six months

ago. when a surgical corsettiere. who had worked with colostomy patients for several years, realised the need in the community. Mrs Brake said. Membership now stood at about 55. Some were helped purely by home visiting. and did not attend the meetings, which were held every six weeks, said Mrs Brake.

Discussions were held at the meetings, and doctors had lectured on tire psychological and physiological aspacts. A dietitian had given a lecture.

The secretary is Mr A. D. Healey.