Honouring Nurses Who Change Lives
Behind every ostomate’s journey is often a nurse who made an impossible moment feel manageable.
A nurse who provided dignity during uncertainty.
A nurse who offered reassurance, compassion, education, and hope.
The SASS Stoma Nurse Excellence Awards were created to recognise and celebrate stoma nurses who go above and beyond in supporting ostomates and their families across South Africa.
These awards aim to shine a light on the often unseen dedication of nurses working in both the public and private healthcare sectors — nurses who provide compassionate stoma care, patient education, advocacy, and emotional support during some of the most life-changing moments in a person’s life.
Why These Awards Matter
At SASS, we believe that excellent stoma care is not only about clinical treatment — it is also about:
- compassion,
- dignity,
- patient empowerment,
- emotional support,
- and helping ostomates live confidently and independently.
Far too often, nurses who make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives go unrecognised.
These awards provide an opportunity for:
- ostomates,
- families,
- colleagues,
- doctors,
- and healthcare teams
to acknowledge and celebrate the nurses who truly make a difference.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations are open for stoma nurses working within either the public or private healthcare sector in South Africa.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed the nurse’s impact may submit a nomination, including:
- Ostomates
- Family members and caregivers
- Colleagues
- Doctors and healthcare professionals
- Hospital management
- Healthcare partners
Recognition Through Real Stories
This award is not only about professional excellence — it is about human impact.
We encourage nominators to share meaningful stories that highlight how a nurse has:
- supported patients emotionally,
- restored dignity,
- improved patient care,
- advocated for better outcomes,
- or gone above and beyond during difficult moments.
Every nomination helps us celebrate the people behind the care.
Celebrating Excellence at SASS 2026
Award recipients will be honoured at the SASS 2026 Gala Evening — a special celebration recognising nurses who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to ostomy care and patient dignity across South Africa.
Submit Your Nomination
Help us recognise the nurses who continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of ostomates across South Africa.