IA Greater London West

The internet has become a valuable source of information and comfort for people coming to terms with stomas and other issues related to their conditions. Not only can people access information and advice about their surgery and talk to other people in similar situations, but facilities such as online shopping and entertainment can help during difficult times when leaving the house is problematic.

When it comes to support, the option of speaking to a person directly via the phone, or for a meet up is always available (contact the IA or anyone on our committee), but there are also times where the anonymity of the internet makes it easier for some to get answers to topics which they would not feel comfortable discussing in person. (more…)

From the IA News posting

Department of Health Consultation:
Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma
and incontinence appliances and related services to Primary Care.
An overview of the new arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma
and urology appliances – and related services – in primary care has been published on the

Department of Health website at:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_097226

Some of the key points are:

• The new arrangements will be implemented from 1 April 2010 subject to amendment Regulations being laid and amendment Directions being made.
• Dispensing Appliance Contractors (DACs) and Pharmacy Contractors (PCs) who dispense prescriptions can choose to offer either Essential Services or Essential plus either both or one of the Advanced Services.
• Essential services that must be provided include a repeat dispensing service, appropriate advice, a home delivery service and a supply of wipes and disposal bags.
• Advanced services include stoma appliance customisation and appliance use reviews (AURs).
• AURs must be conducted by a specialist nurse working on behalf of the DAC or PC or by pharmacist, either in the home of the user or at the DAC or PC premises, where there must be a specially designated area for confidential consultation. Where possible, these specialists must maintain close contact with the NHS healthcare professional looking after the user.
• The new arrangements have been put in place to ensure that DACs operate within a similar clinical governance framework to PCs and that PCs offer a similar level of service as the DACs. The Department of Health lists the key aims as:
  • Maintain – and where applicable – improve patient care;
  • Ensure equitable payment to DACs and PCs for the provision of equivalent services;
  • Achieve transparency between what is paid for services and what is reimbursed for items.
• The detail is in the remuneration and reimbursement arrangements that apply to the contractors (DAC & PC).

Sam Shakes (2008)

We caught up with IAGWL member Sam Shakes, to discuss her paintings and the experiences behind them.

Sam was interviewed by Twm Davies (IAGLW) Dec 2008.

(more…)