The Ostomy Center

The Ostomy Center at St. Joseph Medical Center is committed to improving the lives of those living with ostomies with reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence.  

• What is an ostomy? An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening for the diversion of waste from the bowel or the bladder. Ostomies are necessary when part or all of the intestine or bladder are removed, and may be temporary or permanent. Some conditions that may lead to ostomy surgery include cancer, diverticulitis, polyps, birth defects, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and trauma.

• About our Ostomy Center. The Ostomy Center at St. Joseph Medical Center was developed in 1978 to meet the needs of individuals with colostomies, ileostomies and urinary diversions. St. Joseph is the only hospital with the longest continuously operating Ostomy Center in the Baltimore area.
  
   
• About our Ostomy Nurses. WOC/ET nurses specialize in ostomy care and rehabilitation and assist patients in the hospital as well as in the outpatient setting. Our nurses provide comprehensive teaching, counseling and care for their patients, including:

• Pre- and post-operative education
• Selection and skin marking of the stoma location
• Demonstration and selection of supplies
• Lifestyle support and counseling
• Referral to other resources as needed
• Emergency assistance as needed

Your WOC/ET nurse can answer questions and address the concerns of patients and family members, both in the hospital and after discharge. Our goal is to help you make the necessary adjustments to life with an ostomy.

Reasons to Visit the Ostomy Center

If you have concerns about one or more of the following, a visit to the Ostomy Center can help.

• Appliance leakage or odor
• Skin irritation
• Where to get supplies
• Clothing adaptation
• Diet and exercise
• Intimacy and pregnancy
• Changes that occur with aging
• Career/job-related issues
• Travel information

What to Expect When You Visit The Ostomy Center

At your first visit, your stoma will be carefully assessed and pertinent medical history will be obtained. You will need to bring a list of current products, past and present medications, as well as insurance cards, necessary referrals and a physician’s prescription.

With the unique approaches of the Ostomy Center, combined with a personal touch, you will be on your way to an improved and healthier lifestyle.

Contact Information

Referrals to the Ostomy Center can be made by any physician, nursing agency, home or extended care facility, or supplier. Additionally, the Centers see patients on a self-referral basis with physician approval.

Visits to the outpatient Ostomy Center are covered by most private insurance plans and Medicare. You may require preauthorization from the primary care physician before a visit is made. A prescription is necessary from your surgeon or primary care physician and can be faxed to 410.427.2335.

The Ostomy Center is located on the first floor of the Cancer Institute, Building A on St. Joseph’s campus. Visits are by appointment only, call 410.337.1841. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
 

Online Resources

United Ostomy Associates of America: www.uoaa.org
Baltimore Ostomy Association: www.boa.org
Anne Arundel County Ostomy Association: www.annearundelostomy.com
Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America: www.ccfa.org
Mid-Atlantic Region WOCN: www.marwocn.org
National WOCN: www.wocn.org
Colon Cancer Foundation: www.coloncancerfoundation.org