Stoma Appliance SchemeThe Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS), subsidised by the Australian Government, provides stoma related products free of charge to ostomates. There are approximately 30,000 ostomates nationally who receive products under the SAS through approved volunteer ostomy associations. The ostomy associations purchase ostomy related products from suppliers and distribute to their members as required.
The Scheme provides assistance to all Australian residents who have undergone either a temporary or permanent surgically created stoma. To receive subsidised stoma products you must hold an Entitlement Card supplied by Medicare Australia through any one of the 22 stoma associations throughout Australia. Your stomal therapy nurse will help you join a stoma association or alternately, you can contact one of the associations directly. To become a member of a stoma association, you will need to pay a small fee to assist the association with the cost of distributing stoma products and support services. Coloplast ostomy appliances and related products are listed on the SAS. Stomal Therapy Nurses (STN) are specifically trained to advise ostomates in the use of stomal products following colostomy, urostomy or ileostomy surgery and guide them in the choice of products. The STN will select and discuss products they feel are appropriate for the patient taking into consideration their lifestyle requirements.
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