Stoma Care Training

Stoma Care Awareness Training

The Stoma Care Awareness is for healthcare workers and carers who want to learn how to look after people with stomas. This training will help you understand the body systems and the reasons people may need a stoma.

You will also learn about the different types of stomas and how to care for them.

You will be shown how to safely change and empty stoma bags, making sure you keep everything clean and free from infection. Our trainers will let you know the common problems that can happen with stomas, such as leaks, irritation, or infections, and how to solve them. You will also learn about what people with stomas can eat to stay healthy.

This Stoma Care/ Ostomy Care course focuses on treating patients with respect and care, making sure they feel safe and supported. Having stomas can be difficult.

Participants will understand how living with a stoma can affect people emotionally, and how to help them take care of themselves. You will also learn how to report and document, so everyone involved in the patient’s care knows what has been done. Suitable for all care staff levels including nurses.

We now offer a dedicated Train the Trainer Stoma Care course, designed to help experienced staff confidently teach and support others in delivering safe, effective stoma care.

✅ Relevant: Stoma Care Teaching Resource Course Pack

Course Information:

• Course Duration: 2-3 hours
• Course Level: Level 2
• Certificate: 2-year certificate
• Max Delegates: 12
• Practical: Yes
• Course Mode: Face to Face / Online (Virtual)
• Pre-requisite: None (basic knowledge is useful).

Stoma Facts and Statistics

Stomas are relatively common in the UK, with approximately 1 in every 335 people living with one. Around 1 in 3 stomas (35%) are temporary and only required for a short period.

Skin complications are widespread, affecting up to 76% of individuals with a stoma. Hernias are also frequent, with about half of all stoma patients developing one near the site.

The emotional impact can be significant: 70% report dissatisfaction with their sex life, and 50% experience symptoms of depression. Meanwhile, the stoma care market is expanding steadily, growing by approximately 6.4% annually and projected to continue rising until 2030.

This course teaches you how to care for stomas safely and respectfully. You will learn about stoma anatomy, equipment, and best practice techniques through face-to-face lessons and practical sessions.

Course Outline on Stoma Care:

1. What is a Stoma?

• Simple meaning of a stoma
• Why some people need a stoma
• How stomas help people stay healthy

2. Why Do People Have a Stoma?

• Health problems that might lead to needing a stoma
• Surgery reasons
• Conditions like cancer, bowel disease, or injury

3. Possible Problems with a Stoma

• What can go wrong: leaks, sore skin, or infection
• Other issues: stoma getting bigger, smaller, or pulling in
• How to stop problems and keep the person safe

4. Body Parts Involved in Stoma Care

• Basic look at how the stomach, bowels, and bladder work
• Where stomas are placed
• Why knowing body parts helps with good care

5. Types of Stomas

• Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urostomy
• How each one is different
• How care changes depending on the type

6. Keeping Things Clean – Infection Control

• Why staying clean is important
• Washing hands and using gloves and aprons
• How to stop germs when changing stoma bags

7. Stoma Equipment (Appliances)

• What tools and bags are used
• One-piece vs two-piece systems
• Choosing the right item for each person
• How to empty, change, and fit a stoma bag safely

8. Common Stoma Problems and Fixes

• Leaks, sore skin, discomfort
• How to spot and fix these problems
• When to ask for extra help

9. Writing Down Care (Documentation)

• Why it’s important to keep good records
• What to write: stoma size, skin condition, bag used, any problems
• How this helps the whole care team

10. Putting the Person First (Person-Centred Care)

• What person-centred care means
• Helping people feel better emotionally
• Respecting their privacy, choices, and wishes
• Helping them take part in their own care

Course Conclusion

• Quick review of what you’ve learned
• Questions and answers
• Demo
• Certificate of completion

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this Stoma Care Course, you will be able to:

• Say what a stoma is and why some people need one
• Name common health problems that may lead to having a stoma
• Spot possible problems with a stoma and know how to help stop them at work
• Show where a stoma goes in the body and understand why that matters for care
• Talk about the different kinds of stomas – colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy – and how to care for each one
• Explain how to keep everything clean and stop infections when doing stoma care
• Show how to empty, change, and fit a stoma bag safely
• Know when something might be wrong and when to ask for help
• Understand why writing down care details is important and what to include
• Talk about how to care in a kind and respectful way that meets each person’s needs

Who is our Stoma Care Course Designed for?

People who should take the course:

1. Nurses
2. Doctors
3. Healthcare Assistants
4. Carers and Support Workers
5. Nursing Students
6. Healthcare Trainees
7. Community Health Workers
8. Healthcare Professionals working in hospitals, clinics, or care homes
9. Occupational Therapists
10. Social Workers involved in patient care

During our workshops, trainers like Ben (over 16 years of experience) and other skilled teachers in stoma care provide practical help and group talks. They know how to address challenges and offer helpful solutions.

Stoma Course Benefits

• Learn from Experts: Get clear, helpful guidance on how to care for people with a stoma and how to stop problems before they happen.
• Hands-On Practice: Try out how to fit, change, and empty stoma bags. Learn how to keep everything clean and safe.
• Better Care for Patients: Understand how to care for each person in a kind and respectful way, meeting their needs.
• Feel More Confident: Learn how to spot and fix common problems with stomas so you can give good care every day.
• Be Ready for Work: Learn what you need to know to care for people with stomas in care homes, hospitals, and other places.
• Help Patients Stay Well: Use good care and clear notes to keep people safe and support their recovery.
• Grow Your Career: Get a certificate to show what you’ve learned. This can help you move forward in your job.
• Understand Emotions: Learn how to support people who may feel worried or upset about living with a stoma.
• Stay Up-to-Date: Find out the latest ways to give stoma care using new tools and methods.
• Support Your Patients Well: Give helpful tips, like what foods to eat, so people can adjust after surgery and live well.

This half-day training is usually offered onsite for groups of healthcare staff across the UK. We’ll send our trainers to deliver this Stoma/Ostomy Care training.

Course Reviews

Our Face-to-Face Stoma Care Training has received 5-star ratings on review websites such as Google, Reviews.io, and Trustpilot. Below are some of the customer reviews we’ve received:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I enjoyed the course; it was very interesting, and I learned a lot more about stoma care and the different types of stomas. Ben was very good and gave plenty of opportunities to ask questions.” – Janet Bristow

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Ben was amazing, and his explanations on digestion took me back to high school. He made the stoma training very easy to understand. I’m very happy with the course delivery.” – Liah Kamupita

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I have just completed the Stoma and Catheter Care course with Ben. He was a very informative and professional trainer.” – Caroline

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I had Catheter and Stoma training with Ben Page today. He was very professional, and I learned a lot from the course. I would highly recommend it.” – Stacey Guest

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Honestly, I didn’t realise how much there was to learn about the different types of stoma. Chris did a brilliant job facilitating the course, delivering it with humour and making it easy to understand. I liked the fact that there were plenty of ‘props’ so everyone could have a go at fitting the stoma bags. If you care for someone with a stoma, this course is a must.” – Denise Collins

Importance of Stoma Care Awareness

Stoma awareness is vital for the 120,000+ people in the UK living with a stoma, helping reduce isolation, stigma, and anxiety. It promotes understanding, prevents discrimination, and encourages accessible facilities, enabling people to live active, confident lives.

Why raise stoma awareness:

• Challenge stigma: Educates the public that stomas are life-saving and positive, not something to be ashamed of.
• Reduce isolation: Knowing others share similar experiences boosts confidence and mental well-being.
• Improve accessibility: Supports “stoma-friendly” spaces with clean, accessible toilets for bag changes.
• Support hidden disabilities: Ensures people with stomas are treated with dignity in line with equality law.
• Encourage open conversation: Makes discussing the condition easier, fostering support networks.

By raising awareness, the challenges of living with a stoma become easier to manage, empowering people to live life confidently and without fear of judgment.

Stoma Care Awareness FAQs

1. What is the role of a nurse in stoma care?

Stoma care nurses help patients adjust to life with a stoma, teach self‑care skills, monitor for complications, and ensure access to suitable appliances. They provide emotional reassurance, build confidence, and work with wider healthcare teams to deliver safe, holistic, person‑centred care.

2. Which organisations require stoma care awareness for staff?

Stoma care awareness is essential for organisations that support people with complex health needs. This includes care homes, domiciliary care agencies, supported living services, NHS wards, community nursing teams, and disability support providers. Any service where staff assist with personal care, hygiene, or daily living tasks benefits from training to ensure safe, dignified, and confident stoma support.

3. How long is the certificate valid?

A stoma care awareness certificate is typically valid for 2 years, although many organisations schedule refreshers within 1–2 years. This is because best‑practice guidance, product types, and clinical expectations can change over time.

Regular updates help staff maintain safe, confident, and consistent support for individuals living with a stoma. It is important to always maintain confidence and compliance.

4. What is the difference between full and refresher training?

The full stoma care course is designed for staff who are new to the topic, covering core knowledge, practical skills, appliance management, and confidence‑building from the ground up.

The refresher is shorter and focuses on updating existing skills, reinforcing best practice, and addressing changes in products or clinical guidance. It helps experienced staff stay current, safe, and competent in their role.

5. What courses pair well with stoma awareness?

Stoma awareness pairs well with several complementary clinical and personal‑care courses. Common combinations include continence care, catheterisation, PEG/enteral feeding, pressure area care, and infection prevention and control.

Many organisations also combine it with personal care, dignity in care, and skin integrity training. Together, these courses help staff deliver safe, confident, and holistic support for individuals with complex care needs.

Booking this course alongside other half-day courses provides a discount of over 40% when scheduled on the same day and at the same venue. Additionally, each team member receives a free learner resource and competency workbook.

6. Is the training e-learning or instructor-led?

The course is fully trainer‑led, not e‑learning. All sessions are delivered by an experienced clinical instructor and can be completed face‑to‑face or virtually via Zoom, depending on your organisation’s needs. This format allows learners to ask questions, practise skills, and receive real‑time guidance to build confidence and competence.

7. Does the course cover different types of stoma?

Yes. The course covers the key aspects of different stomas, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies. Learners explore how each type functions, common appliances, skin care considerations, and potential complications. This helps staff understand the differences between stoma types and provide safe, confident, and person‑centred support.

8. What qualifications do I need to be a stoma nurse?

A stoma nurse must first qualify as a registered nurse, usually through a nursing degree, and gain broad clinical experience. They then complete specialist stoma care education and ongoing professional development to build advanced skills and confidence in supporting patients with stomas.

Many nurses progress into enhanced or advanced practice roles as their expertise develops. At Caring for Care, we provide practical stoma care training for nurses who require specialist skills, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed for safe, effective practice.

9. Can a support worker change a stoma bag?

Yes, a support worker can change a stoma bag as long as they have received appropriate training and are competent. Proper instruction ensures they understand hygiene, skin care, appliance handling, and how to recognise potential issues. With the right skills, they can provide safe, dignified, and person‑centred support.

10. Can stoma care be learned online?

Stoma care can be introduced online, but it cannot be fully learned through e‑learning alone. While digital modules can cover theory, terminology, and basic principles, the practical skills require trainer‑led, hands‑on learning. Face‑to‑face or live virtual sessions allow learners to ask questions, practise techniques, and receive real‑time feedback to ensure safe, confident, and competent support.

11. How do you care for someone with a stoma bag?

Caring for someone with a stoma bag involves following hygiene steps, helping with bag changes, checking the skin for irritation, and offering emotional reassurance. Ensuring they have the right supplies and contacting healthcare professionals when concerns arise are also key parts of safe, supportive care.

12. What are the roles of carers/support workers for people with a stoma?

Carers support people with stomas by helping with appliance changes, maintaining skin hygiene, and assisting with daily tasks. They also provide emotional reassurance, encourage confidence, respect privacy, and communicate concerns to healthcare teams. Their role helps individuals live comfortably, independently, and with dignity.

13. Are stoma care and ostomy care training the same?

Yes. Stoma care and ostomy care training refer to the same skills and knowledge. Both involve caring for surgically created openings and managing the appliances used to collect waste. While “ostomy” refers to the surgery type, the practical care taught in both trainings is essentially identical.