The South African Society of Ostomates (SASS) will host the SASS2026 Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cape Town, bringing together healthcare professionals involved in the care and rehabilitation of people living with a stoma.
The conference is designed as a multidisciplinary clinical platform, supporting knowledge-sharing across nursing, physiotherapy, biokinetics, dietetics, occupational therapy, and related fields.
CPD accreditation has been applied for and is subject to approval.
Led by a Multidisciplinary Scientific Committee
The SASS2026 programme is guided by a Scientific Committee comprising experienced clinicians and professionals across relevant disciplines.
Their collective expertise ensures that the conference programme:
- Reflects current clinical practice and real-world challenges
- Supports evidence-informed decision-making
- Addresses the needs of professionals working across diverse healthcare settings
This structure underpins the conference’s focus on practical, applicable learning rather than purely theoretical discussion.
A Programme Designed for Clinical Practice
The SASS2026 programme has been developed to support multidisciplinary collaboration and improved patient outcomes.
Key areas of focus include:
- Peristomal skin care and complication prevention
- Patient education and support for self-management
- Nutritional considerations in ostomy care
- Functional recovery and return to daily activities
- Collaborative approaches to long-term patient care
Sessions are designed to be clinically relevant and directly applicable, particularly within the South African healthcare context.
Collaboration and Sector Engagement
SASS2026 is supported through collaboration with a range of local and international stakeholders across the ostomy and broader healthcare community.
These include organisations such as the Global Colorectal Cancer Association, European Ostomy Association, Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa, World Council of Enterostomal Therapists, and the University of the Free State.
These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to strengthening ostomy care through clinical engagement, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
The South African Context
The conference responds to the realities of ostomy care in South Africa, where access to appropriate support and services remains variable.
Through its programme and partnerships, SASS2026 aims to contribute to:
- Strengthening clinical capacity
- Improving coordination of care
- Supporting better outcomes for people living with a stoma
Who Should Attend
SASS2026 is relevant to:
- Stoma care and general nursing professionals
- Physiotherapists and biokineticists
- Dietitians
- Occupational therapists
- Healthcare managers and clinicians involved in patient care
Further Information and Registration
The SASS2026 Conference website provides access to the developing scientific programme, registration details, and ongoing conference updates.
Content will continue to be updated as the programme is finalised and additional information becomes available.