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 shared mission: to restore dignity to ostomates and equip nurses to deliver consistent, compassionate care.
This initiative was made possible through a powerful combination of clinical expertise, grassroots collaboration — and global support from our international partner, Footprints 2 Africa (F2A).
Strengthening the System, One Nurse at a Time
Helen Joseph Hospital is the only tertiary hospital serving Region B of Gauteng. With no district or regional hospital to act as a buffer, the stoma clinic finds itself stretched beyond capacity. Despite serving hundreds of patients — some from as far as Soweto — only one nurse had completed stomaltherapy training prior to this program.
“Our nurses are trained, but not specialized,” explains Lethabo Mashile, Communications Manager at HJH. “Many of our patients don’t even know what type of stoma they have, let alone how to care for it. This collaboration gave our staff exposure to different cases, complications, and products — tools that will have a lasting impact.”
With Sr Jolanda Janse van Noordwyk, a SASS-affiliated stoma nurse, leading the training, the program included both theory and practice. Nurses were introduced to key concepts, scripting protocols, and peristomal skin management — and then guided through real-life patient care in the clinic.
For Sr Aletta Ross, Operational Manager, it was a turning point:
“We’ve been doing our best with limited knowledge and no specialized support. This program gave us hope. It reminded us that we are not alone.” With the correctly prescribed pouch, we significantly reduced leakages, peristomal skin complications, and the number of pouches used per month which in turn showed a marked improvement in patient compliance and overall quality of life.
Dignity in a Box: The Role of Footprints 2 Africa
This partnership was not only about training — it was about resources.
Enter Footprints 2 Africa (F2A): a UK-registered, faith-based charity dedicated to bringing dignity, hope and compassion to ostomates across Africa. Their mission is simple yet profound — to distribute donated stoma supplies and empower the most vulnerable to live with confidence and care.
Thanks to F2A’s generosity, SASS was able to provide each patient seen during the program with 30 days’ worth of stoma supplies. This support as now been extended and the 60 patients that formed part of this trial are set to receive F2A Donated stoma supplies until at least September 2025!
This support helped alleviate the ongoing stock shortages at Helen Joseph, where nurses have previously been forced to ration bags — sometimes providing as few as three pouches per patient per month. In May 2025, Sam from Footprints 2 Africa joined the SASS team on-site at HJH and witnessed first-hand the significant improvements reported — from better pouching outcomes to a visible boost in patient morale and nurse confidence.
“F2A made it possible for us to say YES to our patients,” said Sr Aletta. “For once, we didn’t have to turn anyone away.”
From the Clinic to the Airwaves: Raising Awareness on Kofifi FM
As momentum grew, the partnership was invited to take the conversation further — this time, on air.
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital joined a live radio discussion on Kofifi FM, using the opportunity to amplify awareness about ostomy care and share insights from the program. The segment highlighted:
- ✅ Strengthening clinical capacity
- ✅ Improving access to appropriate stoma care
- ✅ Ensuring that every ostomate feels seen, supported, and able to thrive
It was a celebration of what’s possible when healthcare professionals, community advocates, and global allies unite around a common purpose: dignified, equitable healthcare for all.
The Road Ahead
This program is only the beginning. SASS remains committed to supporting the public health system through continued training, the rollout of our SASSLink digital platform, and strategic partnerships that center patient needs.
Patients like Sean Naidoo, a 54-year-old colostomate, remind us what’s at stake:
“A pouch isn’t just a product. It’s the difference between living in shame and living a full life. I just want to be able to work, to be there for my family. That starts with proper care.”
As Sr Jolanda emphasized, stomaltherapy is not part of the general nursing curriculum. This means that many nurses are unprepared, not due to negligence but due to systemic gaps. This program aimed to close that gap — one patient, one nurse, one hospital at a time.
🙏 Thank You, Footprints 2 Africa
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Footprints 2 Africa for their unwavering support. Their donations were more than just supplies — they were a lifeline.
In a system where stock-outs are common, and patients often go without, your generosity reminded us that kindness has no borders.
Thank you for walking alongside us in our mission to restore dignity to ostomates across South Africa.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel,” Sr Aletta said. “And this program is that light.”
#SASSCares #StrongerTogether #HelenJosephHospital #FootprintsToAfrica #KofifiFM #HealthcareCollaboration #OstomyAwareness #UbuntuInHealthcare #RestoringDignity #PublicHealth #PatientEmpowerment #StomaCareMatters #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica