An innovative initiative by a Manchester Metropolitan University fashion graduate will see creative and sustainable stoma bag covers donated to hospitals across Greater Manchester to bring comfort and style to patients recovering from surgery.
The Royal Oldham Hospital have received a donation of the colourful covers, designed by fashion graduate Ellie Brown. Ellie created the Covers that Care initiative to offer uplifting stoma covers made from unused fabric from her adaptive clothing brand, Recondition.
Emma McKeon, stoma nurse at The Royal Oldham Hospital, said, "Adjusting to life with a stoma is a huge physical and emotional undertaking. While a stoma bag can be lifesaving, it does not always feel like a natural part of a person. Stoma bag covers are a simple but effective way to bridge the gap between being a 'patient' and being 'yourself'. Many new ostomates find the visibility of the contents the hardest part to get used to. The covers have helped to hide the contents from view, which has reduced their self-consciousness."
Each donation includes a selection of patterned covers as well as an information booklet offering practical advice on life after stoma surgery, including topics such as relationships, socialising, and travel.
The initiative was developed with fashion blogger and disability advocate Lucy Jane, who lives with a stoma following surgery for Ulcerative Colitis. Together they aimed to create designs that feel supportive, positive, and empowering.
Ellie said, "The idea behind the scheme is to bring some hope and joy to patients at a time when they might be feeling scared and anxious about the life-changing surgery they’ve undergone and about what life will be like afterwards. It’s so rewarding to see our designs come to life and the feedback we’ve had from patients and staff has been so positive."
Patients who have already received the covers say they help them feel more comfortable and confident during a challenging stage of recovery. Hospital teams have welcomed the donation as a thoughtful addition to the support offered to people adjusting to life with a stoma.
Read more about this story on the Manchester Metropolitan University news page.
