Ostomy Service contact details
Monday - Friday 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Ph: 8927 4888 Fax: 89274990
Email: ostomy@cancernt.org.au
About the ostomy service
The ostomy service at The Cancer Council NT was established to distribute stoma appliances to all ostomates in the NT, regardless of whether or not their stoma is cancer related. In other states, where member numbers are much higher, associations are run by ostomates who volunteer their time each month to order and dispatch supplies across their state.
Through the Health Insurance Commission, Australian citizens receive free stoma appliances each month. (If you are visiting from another country, inquire at a Medicare Office whether your home country has a reciprocal agreement with Medicare in Australia .)
Ostomy membership
Although stoma appliances are free, The Cancer Council NT, like all other ostomy associations, charge an annual membership fee to assist in providing this service. A portion of the membership fee goes to The Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA). Membership of ACSA is very worthwhile. The executive of ACSA liaise directly with the Federal Department of Health, including the Health Insurance Commission. Their lobbying has ensured the continued provision of free stoma appliances.
Three times per year ACSA publish a very informative magazine called Ostomy Australia which is distributed to all members.
Stoma appliance
Ostomates in Australia are among the most fortunate in the world as, through a government scheme supplies are provided free of charge. Some countries have their appliances subsidised, others may have minimal supplies such as two or three bags to last a month, if they are available. At the other end of the scale, in countries which lack a health care system, there are primitive home made devices which include tin cans tied around the body with a piece of string .
The monthly allowance of appliances is restricted but it is very rare to exceed the maximum allowance.
For problems with your stoma or appliance, it is advisable to see a nurse at your local community care centre. Leaking bags, skin problems and irritations are not “normal”. The clinic nurse can assess the problem and in many cases give appropriate advice. If necessary you will be referred to a Stoma Therapy Nurse.
Stomal Therapy Nurse
There are regular clinics in both Darwin and Alice Springs to enable access to a Stomatherapist. For details of clinic schedules call:
Darwin 8927 4059
Alice Springs 8951 6752
Ordering supplies
Orders are to be placed with the Ostomy Coordinator at The Cancer Council NT. The orders are forwarded to interstate suppliers on Tuesday afternoons each week, with the freight arriving in Darwin the following Tuesday. The supplies must then be unpacked, processed and individually packed for pick up or dispatch.
Outside the Darwin area orders
For NT residents outside Darwin, orders can be sent by phone, fax or email. Supplies can be posted if you are unable to arrange pick up, allow 5 working days for postage to arrive
Ostomy appliances are very expensive and they deteriorate over time in our warmer climate. For these reasons it’s not wise to “stockpile”. During the wet season heavy rain can close roads and delay freight so it is advisable to keep a few extra bags on hand and remember to order before your supplies get low.
For further information call 8927 4888
Support and Information for Ostomates
Booklets and brochures are available from The Cancer Council NT resource centres and videos are available for borrowing.
There is an Ostomy Support Group in both Alice Springs and Darwin which hold regular informal get togethers over a cuppa. Handy hints are passed on and non medical advice can be given.
Reps from interstate medical companies, who supply ostomy appliances, visit the NT during the year. Whenever possible the reps coincide their visit with a support group meeting to enable them to explain new product and to give members the opportunity to ask questions.
For details of support group meetings call:
Darwin : 8927 4888
Alice Springs : 8951 5887
Other Useful links -
For Information call The Cancer Council Cancer Helpline 13 11 20
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