4Laura plant: Trustee with Clinical experience

West Midlands

Laura is a registered nurse with nearly 20 years of experience across a range of hospital settings, including urology, colorectal surgery, and renal medicine, where she spent an extended period in senior leadership. She has also worked in the medico-legal field and is currently training as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner within an out-of-hours GP cooperative. Laura is nearing completion of a master’s degree in advanced clinical Practice and has recently qualified as a non-medical prescriber.

Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 17, Laura underwent emergency surgery to create an ileostomy shortly after diagnosis. After years of managing complex complications, including fistulas and immunosuppression, she had a second, permanent stoma formed in 2016. Her lived experience, both personal and professional, has shaped a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with a stoma.

Laura became a trustee of Colostomy UK to give back to the community that has supported her and to advocate for those who may feel lost, isolated, or overwhelmed after surgery. She is passionate about empowering people to understand their own bodies, seek the right support, and feel confident in life with a stoma. She hopes to use her healthcare expertise and personal insight to help others feel seen, supported, and never alone.

 

 

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