Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
Time is ticking!
Are you ready for the holidays?
Don’t let a supply shortage steal your festive cheer.
Mid-November is the perfect checkpoint:
- Double-check your supply levels.
- Contact your clinic or hospital about holiday closures and product availability.
- Place any last orders to avoid holiday delays.
A few minutes now can save days of stress later. Your festive season should be worry-free!
#OstomateTips #FestiveSeasonReady #OstomyCare #SASSupport #HealthyHolidays
🍺🥂 Beer or sparkling wine can be sneaky!
Ostomates, beer and sparkling wine can trigger gas and odour, but a few simple tricks can help:
💡 Tips to reduce reactions:
- Food pairings: Cheese, nuts, or bread can slow fermentation and reduce gas
- Odour control: Carry odour-neutralising drops, sprays, or discreet charcoal sachets
- Sip slowly and enjoy in moderation
- Plan ahead, and celebrate confidently without surprises!
#OstomyLife #OstomateTips #CelebrateSmart #SASSupport #OstomyWellness #HealthyHolidays
Personalized Optics: Why Your Vision Needs Differ
Not every solution works for everyone—just like glasses. My frame may not fit your face, I might need multifocals while you only need monofocals.
Stoma care is the same: every ostomate has unique needs that require personalized solutions for comfort, function, and quality of life. 💙
#SASSTOMATES #OstomyCare #StomaSupport #OstomateNeeds #PersonalizedCare #OstomyAwareness #StomaHealth #LivingWithOstomy #OstomyProducts #OstomyCommunity #OstomyJourney #HealthcareForAll #PatientCenteredCare #OstomyAdvocacy #InclusiveHealthcare #OstomyWellness #QualityOfLife #OstomySupport
Alcohol + South African summer heat = a double dose of dehydration ☀️🍹
If you have an ostomy, especially an ileostomy, this combo can leave you feeling drained fast. Alcohol pulls water from your body, and hot weather adds to the loss.
Stay smart this summer:
💧 Sip water or electrolyte drinks between alcoholic beverages
🍉 Snack on hydrating foods like fruit
🚫 Skip sugary mixers that worsen dehydration
🌡️ Watch for signs of dizziness, fatigue, or dry mouth
Enjoy the season, just keep your hydration as strong as your spirit
#SASS #OstomyAwareness #HydrationMatters #OstomyLife #SummerTips #IleostomyCare #StayHydrated #StrongerTogether #OstomySupport #SouthAfricanSummer
Ostomy Risks: Muscle Waste & Hernias Explained
Muscle waste caused by malnutrition puts ostomates at higher risk of developing a peristomal hernia.
Without access to proper nutrition and stoma care products, living a functional and productive life becomes even more challenging.
Every ostomate deserves the right pouching system and support products to live with dignity. 💙
#SASSTOMATES #OstomyAwareness #StomaCare #OstomateSupport #PeristomalHernia #OstomyEducation #StomaHealth #LivingWithOstomy #HealthcareAccess #OstomyCommunity #OstomyCare #OstomyLife #OstomyJourney #SouthAfricanOstomates #OstomyAdvocacy #StomaProducts #OstomyWellness #OstomyRisks #InclusiveHealthcare #SASSTOMATESAwareness
Ostomy Risks: Muscle Waste & Hernias Explained
Muscle waste, because of the malnutrition, also puts that ostomate at the risk of developing a hernia, a peristomal hernia. Now they`re going to need specialized, uh, stoma product with a whole host of accessory or supporting product to be able to live a functional life or a productive life, all because no pouches are given.
#OstomyCare #HumanRights #EndTheStigma #DignityForAll #strongertogether
Urgent Ostomy Nurse Crisis in South Africa:
What You Must Know
We delve into the critical shortage of ostomy nurses in South Africa, with an estimated 820,000 ostomates. We address the alarming ratio of patients to nurses and the lack of succession plans, highlighting the urgent need for upskilling to improve care for ostomates.
#OstomyCare #HumanRights #EndTheStigma #DignityForAll #strongertogether
The festive season is almost here!
Stay ahead and enjoy it worry-free.
Ostomates, we know the holidays can bring extra challenges – from clinic closures to keeping your supplies in check. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing useful tips and tricks to help you navigate the festive season with confidence.
✨ Want more?
Download our Festive Season Ostomate Survival Guide for extra tips, tricks, and peace of mind. Link in bio!
https://sasstomates.org.za/survival-guide/
Let’s make this holiday season stress-free, safe, and joyful.
#OstomyLife #FestivePlanning #OstomateTips #SASSupport #HealthyHolidays #PeaceOfMind #OstomyWellness
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
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