Launch of worldwide stoma service
03/06/2008
A new emergency delivery service offering peace of mind to travellers using stoma care products has been launched by stoma specialists Fittleworth in conjunction with the World Assist Alliance (WAA). The aim is to provide emergency delivery to the same level abroad as the discreet service received at home.
A stoma is an artificial opening to or from the intestine (also known as the gut or bowel) on the abdominal wall usually created by a surgeon. A stoma is necessary when parts of the normal intestine must be bypassed, for example when bowel surgery has removed important lengths of the intestine, or when food cannot be taken in by mouth.
Some stomas are temporary (to allow another part of the intestine to heal), or permanent.
Currently there are thousands of people with stomas in the UK, and many feel anxious about travelling abroad in case they cannot get the supplies they need - which is why this new service will liberate them. Fittleworth, who began as a small business in a Sussex garage in 1985, provide home delivery, support and advice to thousands of people through a network of specialist nurses and staff. Now these same benefits will be made available to those customers travelling to countries partnered with the WAA as well.
The company has identified eleven partners in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and the United States - with more to follow. Membership of the WAA will be offered to customers of Fittleworth’s Home Delivery Service: no charge will be levied for using the service and there is no need for a prescription to cover the emergency goods. The cost will be borne by the WAA network members and for UK customers the NHS will not be charged.
Each partner company has made a commitment to help member travellers when visiting their country by providing rapid delivery of goods, offer advice or arrange for a visit from a local specialist nurse.
For more information, visit the website linked below.