Ostomy Resources and Support

Welcome to the SWRWCP Ostomy Page. Whether you are a person who is living with an ostomy or are a person who provides support to an individual living with an ostomy, this page has many resources to help support you. First, let’s start with a simple definition of some common terms you may find on this page.

An Ostomy or Stoma is a surgical opening of either your bowel or bladder to the abdomen. The purpose of the ostomy or stoma is to eliminate either stool or urine. Ostomies/Stomas are created to overcome problems with the bowel or bladder. There are three main categories of ostomies: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. However, there are different types within each category depending on the type of disease and surgery you have had. For more information please click here.

A colostomy is created when a portion of the colon (or large intestine) is brought to the surface of the abdomen. The stool that is produced from a colostomy tends to be thicker and the stoma is most commonly located on the left hand side of the body.

An ileostomy is created when a portion of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen. The stool from an ileostomy tends to be more liquid and requires more frequent draining of the ostomy bag. Ileostomies are most commonly located on the right side of the body.

A urostomy is created when the ureters (tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) are used to create a connection to the abdomen surface. You will need to wear an ostomy bag at all times to collect the urine from this ostomy.

The video below helps to explain these three main types of ostomies further.

Changing Your Appliance:


Life with an Ostomy:
Ostomy Canada Society
RNAO Caring For Your Ostomy
Best Practice Guidelines: RNAO Ostomy Care and Management
Step-By-Step Ostomy Appliance Change

Product Support Services:
Hollister “Secure Start” Support
Coloplast “Care” Support
Convatec “Me+” Support

Ontario Ostomy Support Information:
Grant Application Memo (COVID-19) 2020
Blank ADP 2020
ADP Info Sheet 2020