International Nurses Day

11 May, 2025

May 12th is International Nurses Day. This year we’re recognising Joan Garwood, a stoma nurse who has had a huge impact on the stoma community, both on the wards, and for the last five years through delivering our Caring for a person with a stoma workshops.

We caught up with Joan to find out more about her career, and of course her work with us.

• Please can you tell us a bit about you and how you became a stoma & Colorectal Nurse.

I have been working in Stoma care and Colorectal cancer for  nearly 35 years. I worked on the Colorectal surgical ward and really enjoyed this speciality, caring for people who were undergoing major surgery and  majority of patients had stomas. I really enjoyed supporting patients who had stomas and  undertook  further specialist training in this speciality.

I then became a Stoma Care Nurse Specialist . I loved the role and the experience /knowledge it gave me to support people undergoing formation of stoma.  Then 25 years ago I was successful in applying for Colorectal Cancer  Nurse Specialist. Being able to combine my knowledge  of Stoma Care while supporting patient at all stages in their cancer pathway. Having the experience of stoma care was invaluable for me to support patient with  a diagnosis of  cancer, requiring major surgery and needing a stoma either temporary or permanent is hugely stressful for most people and their partner/ carer.

As well as the knowledge and experience you share with patients , I have learnt so much from patients, and I remain really passionate regarding caring for people who require a stoma.

• Have you noticed any significant changes in stoma care since you first started.

Yes there has been major changes. There was a lot of stigma and taboos at that time. thankfully now these are  gradually being  broken down. There is so much more support now,  for  people to access,   to encourage them  to live a life that is active, social and as independent as before.    The range and quality of products has greatly improved. Patients are more actively involved in their care and encouraged to be  well informed and ask questions.

I feel social media has really helped . Also I feel stoma care nurses are more aware of the importance to supporting patients more holistically, rather than just the physically needs.

• What are the main challenges that can arise for people who need support managing their stoma, if carers don’t have the practical knowledge that’s needed

I think there are many challenges. I think people can feel very isolated, overwhelmed at times, low self esteem, and missing encouragement. Concerns regarding ‘ getting it right ‘ also risk of leakage and sore skin can lead to further isolation and a reluctance to get back to normal activities.

. Some people can be reluctant to ask for help either from stoma care team or organisations like Colostomy UK

• We constantly get really positive feedback from our workshops. How does it feel to know that you are empowering carers to improve quality of life for quite vulnerable people living with a stoma.

I love doing the workshops! I really enjoy when carers are interacting with me and they feel confident to ask any questions. I  feel we all learn from each other and it is always good when they share their experience. The workshops also help to break down stigma and maybe some fears that people who have never cared for someone who has a stoma  may have and  some preconceived ideas that some carers may hold. Also I think its a great opportunity to highlight the importance of remembering how would we want to be treated/ cared for ourselves is how we should care for the person who has a stoma.

• What’s the most challenging aspect you find about delivering workshops virtually?

IT skills for me! Thankfully either Giovanni or Shauna are always there to support me. I think for some care staff,  they are not as familiar with Teams/ Zoom.  There can be some reluctance to interact. They also miss out on the hands on experience, and handling the products.  The practical aspect of changing the appliance can be tricky when delivered virtually.

you are interested in booking a stoma care workshop with Joan for your team, please contact getinvolved@colostomyuk.org