The General Hospital of Fuerteventura, affiliated with the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Health, will hold a commemorative event on Friday, October 2nd, for World Ostomy Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the reality of living with an ostomy and to inform about available support resources.
Since its launch in February 2023, the hospital's specialized Ostomy clinic has attended to 145 patients, registering a total of 964 consultations. The average number of appointments per patient is 6.7, reflecting the need for continuous follow-up.
Under the slogan ‘Visibility, Strength, and Life’, the event will bring together healthcare professionals, ostomy patients, and their families. The program will address crucial aspects such as stoma care, adaptation to the new situation, and psychosocial support, with the goal of improving the quality of life for those affected.
Nurse María del Mar Matoso, head of the clinic and promoter of the BPSO® program, will present the work carried out at the hospital. Participants will share their experiences, difficulties, and learnings, while the Canary Islands Patient School will showcase its support efforts.
The event will feature a conference by Carolina Simón, Psychology Coordinator in Primary Care for the Health Area of Fuerteventura, titled ‘Facing Change: Choosing How to Live It’, offering a psychological perspective on adaptation, acceptance, and daily life after an ostomy.
The specialized clinic, established to provide care and follow-up for patients with intestinal or urinary ostomies, has treated 82 men and 63 women. Of the 145 patients, 88 are over 65 years old, and 64 fall within the 15 to 64 age range.
Nurses María del Mar Matoso and Carlos David Ruiz offer individualized advice for stoma care and complication prevention. The hospital also provides an adapted bathroom for ostomy patients, located at the main entrance.
The Fuerteventura Health Services Management has participated in the BPSO® project since 2022, focusing on implementing best practice guidelines. In 2025, the Management was designated a Center Committed to Excellence in Care, promoting evidence-based care for ostomy patients and their families.
