Ostomates volunteer recognised for service

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Wide Bay Ostomates Association
President of the Wide Bay Ostomates Association, Alastair Waghorne (left), presents a distinguished service award to David Paterson on behalf of the Australian Council of Stoma Associations.

Wide Bay Ostomates Association volunteer David Paterson was presented a distinguished service award at the Australian Council of Stoma Associations annual conference in Perth.

David, from The Hummock, was nominated for his untiring work over many years.

He's been instrumental in helping the Wide Bay Ostomates Association provide support services for the 650 people across the region who have undergone a surgical procedure resulting in a stoma.

A stoma is an opening on the front of the abdomen which enables the collection of bodily waste in a pouch on the outside of the patient’s body.

Reasons it might be required include bowel cancer, colitis or crohns disease.

There are an estimated 45,000 people across Australia living with the disability.

During his acceptance speech, David mentioned the large number of people who would struggle to lead a healthy and fulfilling life without assistance from support groups such as the Wide Bay Ostomates Association.

He also praised the work done of his fellow volunteers who help ensure that all ostomates in the area are provided with the medical and pharmaceutical products needed for effective management of their condition.

David’s 20 years experience as an ostomate has enabled him to observe the beneficial changes that are gradually happening across the Wide Bay area.

He especially thanked the stomal therapy nurses for their dedication and the valuable care that they provide.

He ended with the observation: “Life with a stoma still moves on, just a little bit differently”.

Association secretary Chris Knight said David has lived in the Bundaberg Region for about 15 years and been a volunteer for 13 years.

“The Wide Bay Ostomates Association wants to reduce the stigma that is associated with living with a bag of bodily waste attached to your body,” Chris said.

“We're a not-for-profit charity supporting ostomates.”

The Wide Bay Ostomates Association will hold its annual general meeting on Friday, 8 November 2019 at 88A Crofton Street, Bundaberg, from 10.30am.

For more information call 4152 4715 between 8.30am to 3.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or visit the website wboa.org.au.