The Cruces University Hospital in Barakaldo is hosting the exhibition ‘Invisible. Making Ostomy Visible in Spain’, an initiative designed to bring the reality of living with an ostomy to society and raise awareness of their needs. The exhibition is located at the main entrance of the hospital, in the spiral staircase's glass enclosure.
This campaign, driven by the Federation of Associations of Ostomy Patients of Spain (FAPOE) and the Spanish Society of Expert Stoma Nurses (SEDE), estimates that around 3,200 people in Euskadi live with an ostomy. This procedure may be necessary due to various conditions, including colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, certain gynecological cancers, or endometriosis.
Over the past five years, the Cruces University Hospital has recorded an average of approximately 130 new patients with a digestive ostomy annually. Living with an ostomy involves an adaptation process that extends beyond surgery and can impact autonomy, body image, emotional well-being, and social and professional life.
In this process, the support of expert stoma care professionals is crucial for promoting self-care, preventing complications, and facilitating adaptation. In this context, the Hospital's Stoma Therapy Unit has organized several workshops.
The activities commenced on September 30th with a session on psychological adaptation, emotional impact, self-image, and relationships. On October 5th, a workshop focused on skin care, protection, and prevention for ostomy patients was held for nursing professionals. The series concludes on October 7th with a session on nutrition after stoma implantation, aimed at patients, families, and caregivers. All events take place in the Sala Arriaga from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Furthermore, the Cruces Stoma Therapy Unit holds the international certification HU-CI/AENOR for good humanization practices, acknowledging a comprehensive and personalized care model that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of ostomy patients and their families.
