CHARTER OF OSTOMATES RIGHTS

This Charter of Ostomates Rights presents the special needs of this particular group and the care they require. They have to receive the information and care which will enable them to live a self-determined and independent life and to participate in all decision making processes.

It is the declared objective of the International Ostomy Association that this CHARTER shall be realised in
all Countries of the World.

 The ostomate shall

•    Receive pre-operative counselling to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of the operation and
     the essential facts about living with a stoma.

•    Have a well-constructed stoma placed at an appropriate site, and with full and proper consideration to the
     comfort of the patient.

•    Receive experienced and professional medical support, stoma nursing care and psychosocial support in the
     pre-operative and post-operative period both in hospital and in their community.

•    Receive support and information for the benefit of the family, personal carers and friends to increase their
     understanding of the condition and adjustments which are necessary for achieving a satisfactory standard
     of life with a stoma.

•    Receive full and impartial information about all relevant supplies and products available in their Country.

•    Have unrestricted access to a variety of affordable ostomy products.

•    Be given information about their National Ostomy Association and the services and support which can be provided.

•    Be protected against all forms of discrimination.

  ISSUED BY THE IOA HOUSE OF DELEGATES, September 2004

  This Charter of Ostomates Rights can also be viewed as a PDF file here