Coloplast UK and Ireland is joining forces with the UK’s three largest stoma charities to co-host a first-of-its-kind relay to Parliament to issue a new ‘Calls to Action’ statement (launched Wednesday 20 July).
The statement developed by people with stomas sets out the improvements needed to ensure everyone with a stoma has access to optimal care so that they can live their lives to the full – whether that’s returning to sport, going on holiday, going to the cinema, taking their kids to the park, DIY, or going to a restaurant.
Together with Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, Urostomy Association and Colostomy UK, Coloplast are arranging the relay, which is starting at a London hospital 6 kilometres away from Parliament, where the participants will finish; a symbolic display of the activities that people with a stoma can do when they receive high quality care and support. The relay will be led by people with a stoma, alongside other members of the stoma community, including nurses, charity representatives and even Coloplast UK’s local Member of Parliament, Paul Bristow MP.
Using the Calls to Action statement as a ‘baton’, participants will follow a scenic route along the River Thames before passing the baton to reception host, Giles Watling MP, directly outside of Parliament. Once they have had the chance to catch their breath, Giles will invite the runners and walkers into Parliament to kick-off a reception and celebrate their efforts to carry this important message from ‘patients’ to policymakers. The reception will also seek to educate Parliamentarians about the steps they can take to support everyone living with a stoma across the UK.
Speaking ahead of the event, reception host Giles Watling MP said: “I’m delighted to be supporting this truly unique event and want to wish participants the best of luck ahead of the relay. I look forward to welcoming them outside of Parliament and learning more about the important steps that need to be taken to help everyone with a stoma to enjoy the best possible quality of life. I urge all of my Parliamentary colleagues to join us on Wednesday afternoon.”
Anne Marks a relay participant who supported the development of the ‘Calls to Action’ research, said: “As a member of the stoma community, I know first-hand about the challenges that living with a stoma can bring. I was really pleased to share my personal experience of what it is really like to live with a stoma. I want to play my part in making sure that as many people as possible know about our Calls to Action. I don’t want anyone with a stoma to be suffering in silence.”
Tracey Virgin-Elliston, Lead Nurse Specialist in Stoma Care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who will be handing the baton to the first relay participants said: “I’m so pleased to be able to start this amazing event. Myself and our brilliant team dedicate every day to making sure that people with a stoma receive the best possible care and support when they need it most. It will be amazing to hand over the baton to the relay participants, who are driven by the very same purpose. We’re certainly proud to show our support for this brilliant effort to improve the lives of the UK’s stoma community.”
Mary Speirs, Senior Director, Clinical Services Chronic Care UK and relay participant, said: “Coloplast is delighted to be working with Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, Urostomy Association and Colostomy UK on this very special and important event. We’re united by our commitment to ensuring the voice of the stoma community is heard at the highest levels, and I’m sure that the relay and reception will play a vital role in achieving this.”
The stomas in Parliament event has been initiated and funded by Coloplast UK and Ireland.
