Publish date: 19 February 2025
Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP) has taken an innovative step in supporting stoma patients by addressing an often-overlooked aspect of their lives: intimacy. With guidance led by Specialist Nurse Kyle Waring, the CCICP Stoma Service is breaking new ground with patient-centred resources aimed at empowering individuals to navigate changes in intimacy after stoma surgery.
When Kyle Waring joined the CCICP Stoma Service, he found a skilled and compassionate team providing excellent care. However, he identified a gap in the information shared with patients regarding intimacy and sexual function. Recognising that intimacy is an integral part of many people’s lives, wellbeing, and sense of self, Kyle set out to fill this void.
“Sexual function and intimacy may change with a stoma, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t possible,” said Kyle Waring, Specialist Nurse at CCICP. “I was shocked to discover there was little formal guidance available to support LGBTQIA+ community patients, and limited advice for heterosexual individuals, in the UK or beyond. A key part of my role as a Stoma Nurse is to understand our patients’ needs and help them maintain a good quality of life post-surgery. Sex and intimacy are fundamental aspects of this. I felt compelled to create guidance so that when patients are ready, they have the resources to understand potential changes and adapt to them.”
The new guidance, developed collaboratively with patients and the CCICP Stoma Team, ensures inclusivity by addressing the unique concerns of individuals from diverse backgrounds and orientations. Separate patient information leaflets have been created for men and women, including those who identify as heterosexual and LGBTQIA+. Further resources for transgender stoma patients are currently in development, and CCICP is actively seeking input from transgender individuals to co-create this vital content.
“All of the patient information has been co-created with individuals who represent different sexual orientations,” Kyle explained. “This approach ensures that we’re capturing real-life questions and concerns alongside clinical guidance from our Stoma Team. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, inclusive resources for all stoma patients, wherever they live.”
The guidance materials are freely accessible and aim to support stoma wearers worldwide in their journey toward restoring intimacy and confidence. Patients and healthcare professionals can find these resources here:
Patient Leaflets :: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
