Welcome to the NAMS March Newsletter
What makes you happy?
March the 20th is International day of happiness, which led us to asking what makes us happy? I asked the team to tell me the first thing that sprang to mind when I asked them what made them happy. I thought I would share their responses here.
- The sun,
- When loved ones are happy
- Her doggy “singing” to her when she arrives home from work
- Long walks in the outdoors
- Cocktails
- Tea being ready when they get in from work
- Connect services being awarded the Carer Friendly Service Quality Mark
We would love to hear what makes you happy when you next call into the service.
Problems and Tips
In the next few newsletters, we thought we could include a little section on common problems and tips to help remedy.
SORE SKIN |
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Poor fitting Appliance | Recommended Action |
The stoma may change size and shape leading to exposed skin. Exposed skin can become sore. | Remeasure the stoma and cut the correct sized hole to ensure a good fit. Fitting the appliance correctly will protect the skin and allow healing to take place.
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Skin Sensitivity | Recommended Action |
The skin may discolour when the appliance is changed. If the skin remains discoloured in the shape of the appliance’s adhesive, then this may be due to a sensitivity. | If possible, email a photo to your Stoma Care Nurse for review. Often, using an alternative appliance will help resolve the issue. Sometimes a mild topical steroidal treatment is needed to treat the area |
Easter Holidays
We will soon be approaching the next holiday period of Easter. Whilst its lovely to be able to spend time away from work with loved ones it does mean that we need to make sure you all have enough products and don’t need to order over the days we are shut. Below are our opening times for over Easter.
Thursday 14th April – 08.00-17.00
Friday 15th April (Good Friday) – Closed
Saturday 16th April (Easter Saturday) – Closed
Sunday 17th April (Easter Sunday)– Closed
Monday 18th April (Easter Monday)– Closed
Tuesday 19th April – 08.00-17.00
Stoma support groups
Would you like to be in touch with other individuals who may have shared the same experiences as you? The following groups all welcome new members and contact details are below;
Colostomy UK; Support – Colostomy UK – Supporting and empowering you
Ileostomy association We are strong – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)
Urostomy association. The Urostomy Association – Support & Information for patients and carers
Connect Prescription Services Website
We will be posting live information on the service phone-lines on the website. There’s information on how to order your prescriptions, frequently asked questions, and some useful contacts. The link to access this is below;
https://connectprescriptions.com/
Ways to Order
In addition to telephoning in your order you can also email your prescription when it is due. Simply confirm your details (Name, DOB, address) and the items required. We will process the request and respond to your email with confirmation of receipt. Please forward your request to;
Please be aware, if you are planning a holiday to order your supplies within plenty of time.
Our busy periods on the phone lines tend to be Monday all day and the first and third Wednesday afternoon of each month. Tuesdays after a bank holiday are also very busy and wait times on the phone may be longer. We apologise for any delay during these times.
Our quietest times on the phones tend to be our extended hours between 17.00-20.00 Monday and Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 09.00-13.00
Bank holiday closed dates 2022
Friday 15th April 2022
Saturday 16th April 2022
Monday 18th April 2022
Monday 2nd May 2022
Thurs 2nd June 2022
Friday 3rd June 2022
Saturday 4th June 2022
Monday 29th August 2022
Monday 26th December 2022
Tuesday 27th December 2022
Monday 2nd January 2023