INOVA HEALTH SYSTEM : SERVICES : Outpatient Ostomy Care Program

Hospitals > Inova Fairfax Hospital > Services > Outpatient Ostomy Care Program

Outpatient Ostomy Care Program

A service of Inova Fairfax Hospital

About Our Program
Inova Fairfax Hospital is the only hospital in Northern Virginia offering a dedicated outpatient program for both pediatric and adult ostomy patients. Our patients receive specialized care from a team of registered nurses with advanced training in wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) disorders.

At the Inova Fairfax Hospital Outpatient Ostomy clinic, we understand that patients need both medical care and educational support after intestinal or urinary diversion surgery. Our nurses will help you care for, and adapt to your ostomy after surgery.

For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment
The Outpatient Ostomy Care Program is located in the outpatient rehabilitation department on the first floor of Inova Fairfax Hospital. For more information about our program please call (703) 776-6080 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Outpatient ostomy services are currently being offered at Inova Fairfax Hospital on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 12 noon.

Services We Provide

Pre-surgical ostomy site marking (only for patients having surgery at an Inova hospital)
Pre-surgical education: patients will be given a pouching system to take home, informational brochures on the type of ostomy they will have (ileostomy, urostomy or colostomy) and how to care for their ostomy. Nurses will discuss clothing, lifestyle, exercise and dietary needs, as well as potential benefits and complications, both short- and long-term.
Post-surgical care and education: patients will receive written home instructions, videos, pamphlets, information on how to obtain supplies, and a description of the various pouching systems currently available. Patients with a colostomy may return, if necessary, to learn about irrigations (a bowel management program).
Appliance fitting and adjustments: we offer problem-solving assistance for stomas that are poorly placed or constructed, flushed or retracted, as well as help with irregular abdominal contures. The goal is to obtain a minimal three-day wearing time.
Ostomy and peristomal skin assessments and treatments>
One-on-one education for family and friends

Our Team of Certified Nurses
Our nurses are part of a prestigious group of medical professionals who have graduated from an accredited program to earn their advanced certification in WOC. In keeping with their commitment to patient care and education, they are re-certified every five years.

Nancy Bluefeld, RN, BSN, CWOCN
Dorothy Goodman, RN, BSN, CWOCN
Martha Hammond, RN, BSN, CWOCN
Sandra Harris, RN, BSN, WOCN (certification pending)
Mandy McGee, RN, BSN, WOCN (certification pending)

To help make the most of your visit, be sure to:

allow time to park (use Blue Garage) and complete paperwork prior to your scheduled appointment time
call at least one day prior to your scheduled appointment if you need to cancel
check with your insurance company regarding co-pay or referral from your primary care physician

Other Helpful Web Sites
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
www.uoaa.org
1-800-826-0826

United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. – local chapter
(meets at Inova Fairfax Hospital)
http://www.uoaa.org/supportgroups.shtml
703-802-3457

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
www.wocn.org
1-888-224-WOCN (9626)

Volunteers