IMPORTANT NEWS for all patients that use a catheter or stoma bag.

The NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group has recently announced that they will be holding a focus group discussion regarding potential changes to how your stoma prescriptions are issued.

This focus group will take place on: Tuesday 11th July, 10.30am – 12.00pm, at The Department, Lewis’s Building, 2 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SA

Currently stoma bags, catheters and/or adhesives are prescribed through a hospital’s specialist services and, once discharged, you can continue receiving these products through your GP Practice’s repeat prescriptions. However, a common issue with this existing process is the GP’s ability to prescribe you the optimal stoma and catheter care can sometimes be hindered by their lack of “specialist knowledge”.

The NHS Liverpool CCG is proposing an improvement to the procedure for repeat prescriptions of stoma products. Their suggestion, which is currently moving towards the ‘trial phase’, is to relieve GP Practices of this prescription responsibility and instead use “specialist nurses” that have received specific training for the job. You will still be able to select which Community Pharmacy or Dispensing Appliance Contractor (DAC) provides your products and your GP will be informed of any changes to the products you are prescribed.

The aim of this is to ensure that all parties involved in your care are kept updated during the transition period in order to avoid any potential issues.

The Clinical Commissioning Group want patients to attend their focus group so that they can discuss the best ways to carry out this trial and find the “right areas to improve their care”.

Your opinion is invaluable to them because you have experienced this prescription procedure first-hand.

“If you, a family member, or friend, have used or are using catheter or stoma products we would be delighted if you could attend the session. To book your place please email [email protected] or call Sarb Heer on 0151 247 6406.”