The Colorectal Unit in the Ulster Hospital has received a significant donation of vital equipment, thanks to the generosity of Lisburn’s Valerie Christy, a colorectal patient and dedicated member of the Ileostomy Association (IA), Northern Ireland. The donation by Valerie and the Ileostomy Association includes an interactive abdominal model that shows a variety of stomas that can be used for training purposes for both patients and staff along with six pressure-relieving cushions to provide comfort for post-operative patients.
Valerie Christy and her husband recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and in lieu of traditional gifts to mark this special milestone, Valerie requested contributions to be made to the Ileostomy Association. The funds raised through this thoughtful gesture were used to purchase the much-needed items of equipment, which will be of great benefit to both patients and healthcare professionals within the Colorectal Team at the hospital. The Ileostomy Association very generously matched the amount raised which allowed these pieces of equipment to be purchased for colorectal patients.
The interactive abdominal model will serve as a valuable training tool for the Colorectal Team, allowing them to provide more effective education and support to patients who are preparing for or recovering from colorectal surgery. This hands-on model will help patients better understand their condition and the management of their stoma ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
In addition to the model, the donation of six pressure-relieving cushions will offer enhanced comfort for post-operative patients, helping in their recovery process.
Valerie said, “I have been a member of the Association since I had my surgery in 2007. So to mark our 50th wedding anniversary, my husband and I decided to make a donation to the Association instead of receiving gifts. We were so pleased with the amount of money raised and also delighted that the Association matched what was raised. These items will hopefully be of benefits to both patients and staff.”
“The Association has been so supportive to me and I felt it was important to give something back to support colorectal patients.”
Thanking Valerie and the Ileostomy Association for their very kind donation, Colorectal Nurse Specialist, Sarah Christie added, “We are incredibly grateful to Valerie and the Association for their generous donation. These items will make a significant difference in the care we provide to our patients and will help us continue to deliver the highest standard of care in our Colorectal Unit.”