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About
The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) established in 1975 and subsidised by the Australian
Government, provides support to people with a stoma by improving access to the
most suitable and clinically appropriate stoma related products. Products supplied on the Scheme assist people with stomas to manage their condition and allow greater participation in society and the workforce. These products are provided through stoma associations across Australia. The choice of products a person uses is guided by a Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) who is specifically trained to advise on the use of stomal products.
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Stoma Appliance Scheme Schedule
The Stoma Appliance Scheme schedule lists all the appliances and products subsidised by the Australian Government under the scheme. There are maximum monthly or yearly allowances for products which can be issued to eligible persons through the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS). The Association is required to supply stoma-related products and appliances within the limits as described in the SAS Schedule.
Emergency Assistance
Queensland Emergency Support Service
Brisbane based Queensland Emergency Support Service provides support to Queensland Ostomates outside the normal business hours of their association. The service can be contacted between 8.00am and 7.00pm and can arrange for a small quantity of emergency generic appliances to be made available to Ostomates located in Queensland. Contact your Association to further assist with supplies.
Stomal Therapy Advisory Service
The Association has a Stomal Therapy Advisory Service on the 3rd Thursday of each month at our Townsville office. Appointments can be made with the Stomal Therapy Nurse who provides advice on stoma management. Please contact us for appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ section to find answers to common questions.
How do I know what appliance I am using?
Everything you need to know is on the product list the Stomal Therapy Nurse ordered for you. It is important that you learn: the type of stoma you have (it could be a colostomy, an ileostomy or a urostomy); the name of the pharmaceutical company supplying the product you are using; the reference code of the product is found on each of the boxes, and the size of your stoma.
Should I shower with an appliance on of off?
You can shower with an appliance on or off. Taking the appliance off before showering can give you a change to keep the skin clean underneath the baseplate of any adhesive build-up. If your pouch has a filter, it is not waterproof and it is best to cover the filter with the sticky patch filter cover as supplied while showering with the pouch on. Once finished, remove the filter patch.
*Some of the newer filters are teflon coated which means that a filter cover is no longer necessary.
Journal
Publications
The Ostomy Australia journal is published three times per year and provided free to every member of an Australian Ostomy Associations. The journal has interesting articles, stories and tips for persons living with a stoma.
