WA Ostomy Association

06/01/2026

Assistance lanes now in place at Perth Airport!

Those who attended our travel chat last year will have heard about this project. Using the assistance lane indicates to security staff that you may have additional needs in screening and should lead to a lower stress interaction that is centred on dignity and compassion.

And don't worry, your family members or travel companions are welcome to come through the lane with you so that you're not separated and have support.

Assistance Lanes are now in place at Perth Airport 💙

Designed for travellers who may need more time, flexibility or support through security - including people with disability (visible or hidden), service animals, and families travelling with prams or extra equipment.

✨ Look for the “Assistance Lane” signage
✨ Wait for our team at the assistance point
✨ Allow a little extra time for your journey

Learn more and plan ahead 👉 www.perthairport.com.au/accessibility

05/01/2026

This information is from the UK, so if you run into any issues that need urgent medical attention then the number is 000, or health direct 1800 022 222. As always first point of contact is your Stomal therapy nurse or GP

01/01/2026

From WAOA we wish you a Happy New Year! 🥳 💜

As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the achievements of WAOA. These include strengthening Support Groups across Western Australia, working with Perth Airport to improve travel experiences for ostomates, and the valuable work of Tania Norman, our Stomal Therapy Nurse, supporting regional and remote communities through Bowel & Stoma Health WA
We also increased awareness through conference attendance, celebrated Lorrie’s nomination for WA Volunteer of the Year, and commenced our Peer Support Program. We wish you all good health and every success in 2026.

25/12/2025

We’ve got word Santa has finished delivering presents, and now chilling out at a secluded beach in Western Australia.
Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Day! 🎁 🎄 🎅

19/12/2025

Northam Dec 2025

Well “that’s a wrap” as they say!

Earlier this week I travelled to Northam for my last rural trip of the year. A total of 8 ostomates were seen in the STN clinic and one was visited as an inpatient. I had the opportunity to catch up with the outpatient manager who is working hard to get a CNS position up and running at the hospital that will cover continence, wound and stoma care. The specialist nursing service is certainly needed in the area so fingers crossed for a positive outcome in the new year.

My first rural trip for 2026 will be to Albany and Esperance in February, for further information please email info@waostomy.org.au

Today is the last opening day at WAOA for the two weeks over Xmas – reopening on the 5th January 2026. Until then have a safe and happy festive season whatever you are doing and I hope that 2026 is one that brings health and happiness.

18/12/2025

Reminder that we close from 1pm today for the holiday period
All of us at WAOA wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and we will see you again in 2026!!

A reminder to all that WA Ostomy will be closed for a period of time between Christmas and the New Year to allow our volunteers and staff a well deserved break.

We encourage those who have had their stoma for more than 6 months to consider placing a double order for the holiday period.

If you will need products before we close for Christmas we strongly recommend that your order is placed by 1pm on Friday December 5th.

15/12/2025

If, like us, you are struggling to understand the horrors from Bondi Beach last night please consider helping in the best way we can right now - by donating blood. With many victims losing vast amounts of blood, Lifeblood has accessed stocks from across the country and its important that we try and replenish what we can.

Also remember that help is available if you are struggling following the events in Sydney and you can contact services like Lifeline or Beyond Blue for support

Our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy.
On Sunday evening Lifeblood issued several life-threatening orders for O negative blood, in the wake of the incident at Bondi Beach.
Please make an appointment for the coming days and weeks if you can https://app.lifeblood.com.au/XW3k/d9wncrn5

10/12/2025

04/12/2025

20/11/2025

19/11/2025

Exciting news for those with fistulising Crohn's disease - hopefully relief can be on the way soon

Scientists at Oxford University have identified the rogue fibroblast cells at the heart of Crohn’s disease fistulas, which are painful tunnel like tracts that affect up to 30 percent of patients.

Using cutting edge single cell and spatial analysis, the researchers found these fibroblasts behave like fetal gut cells, aggressively breaking down tissue and laying down scar tissue. This process allows these tunnels to form and persist.

Excitingly, traces of these cells are seen even in very early Crohn’s ulcers, meaning new treatments could one day prevent fistulas before they start.

The team’s work creates a valuable public resource for scientists and offers hope for novel drug discovery focused on real gut healing, not just inflammation control.

This could transform care for people with inflammatory bowel disease worldwide.

If you or someone you know is affected by Crohn’s, this breakthrough brings us closer to more effective treatments and better futures.

15/11/2025

https://sportmanual.co.uk/2025/11/12/bodybuilder-proudly-returns-to-the-stage-with-stoma-bag-following-life-altering-bowel-cancer-diagnosis/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=larrywheels&utm_campaign=picturepost&fbclid=IwZnRzaAOFY3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5CGNhbGxzaXRlAjI1AAEezroB7uUHrRjmyIvzSEaYyndXWew2b1X7MSdN28kOIP2KrLlVbKaxm81l04A_aem_h0anDfZVd1REiruu4hRfqg

A Welsh bodybuilder who was told he might not live past 40 after doctors initially missed his bowel cancer has made a defiant return to competition — scars, stoma bag and all.