The Stoma Appliance Scheme is a program funded by the Federal Government that enables ostomy Associations to provide stoma related products to their members.
The Scheme requires ostomates to become a financial member of one of Australia’s ostomy associations and to hold a current Medicare Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Card in order to receive their products free of charge. The Scheme has monthly or annual limits on the number of items members can receive.
The Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA) represents at a national level the interests of all Australian ostomy associations. It has primary responsibility for the operational management of the distribution of products under the Scheme. It is also responsible for monitoring the compliance of Associations with the Scheme requirements and guidelines.
More information about the Stoma Appliance Scheme and entitlements can be found here:
After surgery, a Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) will assess your situation and chose appropriate stoma appliances to suit your needs. If you are to become a member of this Association, the STN will send your first order of supplies, and a completed membership application form, to IASA.
The Association will issue a Stoma Appliance Membership Card to you as proof of your entitlement to receive supplies under the Stoma Appliance Scheme.
As an ostomate you are not bound to continue using a particular appliance. However it is strongly recommended that you consult a STN before trying something new.
An annual fee is payable in advance prior to the start of each financial year.
The fee includes Stoma Appliance Scheme Access Fee which must be paid for a financial year in order to freely access appliances under the Stoma Appliance Scheme. The fee also includes an IASA Membership Fee to assist with the costs of other services the Association provides.
The Fees are:
Please note that the fees have increased from 1 July 2022, based on a motion agreed to at the 2021 IASA AGM.
To be eligible for a concessional fee, a member must provide a copy of a valid Centrelink-issued Health Care or Pension Card.
Stomal Therapy Nurses are trained in ostomy care and can advise on stoma management and the correct use of stoma appliances.
A STN Clinic is offered at the IASA Mile End office every Wednesday between 10am and 3pm.
This is a FREE Clinic for IASA members and appointments can be made by phoning 8234 2678.
You can access up to six month’s supply of appliances in advance, if you provide proof of your travel arrangements to IASA when placing your order.
You can find useful advice about travelling overseas here:
Practical things that need to be considered include:
There are at present 14 Support Groups in South Australia and we are looking at ways to expand the network. All the Support Groups are listed below.
Please phone the contact person of your Support Group before attending for the first time in order to book a seat. A gold coin donation for tea, coffee and/or room rental is greatly appreciated.
A Stoma Support Group is a place to give and receive support. A place to get information on products and support wear from STNs and invited guests. A place to make friends with other people who have a stoma and who understand living with a stoma. A safe place to discuss your concerns.
If you are worried about coming on your own, your partner or friend can attend the meetings with you.
It has been found that people who attend a Support Group feel less isolated.
Hilton RSL
147 Sir Donald Bradman Drive
Hilton 5033
Contact
Meetings on third Tuesday of the month 1pm - 3pm in January, March, May, July, September, and November
There will be guest speakers at every meeting eg Stomal Therapy Nurse, Product Rep., Psychologist, Motivational Speaker, Dietician.
Grosvenor Hotel Victor Harbor
Contact
Meetings at 10am - 12 noon on the first Monday of March, June, September, and December
Elizabeth House
112 Elizabeth Road
Christie Downs 5164
Contact
Meetings on first Wednesday of the month 2pm - 4pm in February, April, June, August, and October
PORT AUGUSTA AND BEYOND STOMA SUPPORT GROUP
RSL Port Augusta
17 Fulham Road
Port Augusta 5700
Contact
Meetings on the fourth Tuesday of January March May July September and November 1pm - 2.30pm
Port Pirie Lions club hall
Corner of Hallam Street / Federation Road
Port Pirie 5540
Contact
Meetings on the third Tuesday of every month 1pm - 2.30pm from January to December
Joyce Olsen Room
Wontama Homes
East Terrace
Kadina
Contact
Meetings on third Wednesday of the month 2.30pm - 4.30pm in February, April, June, August, and October
Conference Room 2
Mount Gambier Hospital
Wehl Street
Mount Gambier
or
Contact
Meetings on a Thursday every 6 weeks 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Vine Inn
Hoopman Room
14 - 22 Murray Street
Nuriootpa 5355
Contact
The meetings are held over lunch or dinner on the third Monday of February April June August October and
December
from either 12noon - 2pm OR 7pm - 9pm.
Elizabeth Playford Lions Club
Hilcott Street
Elizabeth North 5113
Contact
Meetings on the 4th Tuesday of February, April, June, August, and October 2pm - 4pm.
There will be a product rep at every meeting.
Port Lincoln RSL
14 Hallett Place
Port Lincoln
Contact Helen 0429 882 833
Meetings 3rd Friday of February May August and November 11am - 12.30pm
Nairne Soldiers Memorial Hall
Main Road
Nairne
Contact Alicia 0403 663 837 or Betty 0428 373 770
Meetings on the second Wednesday of January March May July September and November 10am - 12noon.
Murray Bridge RSL
2 Ross Road
Murray Bridge
Contact Sandrina 0428 104 439 or Steven 0427 978 699
Meetings on the first Monday of February, April, June, August October and December 10am - 12 noon
Renmark RSL
91 Fifteenth Street
Renmark
Contact Neville 0419 835 589
Meetings on the first Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November 10am - 12 noon
KI Lion's Club
Dauncey Street
Kingscote
Contact Cindy Lade 0418 837 378
Meetings on the second Tuesday of February April June August October and December 10am - 12 noon.