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 a mandatory 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 for 2022/2023 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 9am and 2pm.
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 9 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 to check on COVID restrictions before attending.
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 2pm - 4pm 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
Ocean Street
Victor Harbor 5211
Contact
Meetings on Monday 10am - 12 noon
28th February
6th June
5th September
5th December
Elizabeth House
112 Elizabeth Road
Christie Downs 5164
Contact
Meetings on first Wednesday of the month 2pm - 4pm in February, April, June, August, October, and December
PORT AUGUSTA AND BEYOND STOMA SUPPORT GROUP
RSL Port Augusta
17 Fulham Road
Port Augusta 5700
Contact
Meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month 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
Senior Citizen Club
3 Verran Terrace
Moonta 5558
Contact
Meetings on third Wednesday of the month 1.30pm - 3.30pm in February, April, June, August, October, and December
St Martin's Church Fellowship area
17 Edward Street
Mount Gambier 5390
or
Coonawarra Soldiers Hall
11 Memorial Drive
Coonawarra 5263
Contact
Meetings on Thursday 10.30am - 12.30pm
10th February at Mount Gambier
7th April at Mount Gambier
9th June at Coonawarra
11th August at Mount Gambier
13th October at Mount Gambier
10th November at Coonawarra
Vine Inn
Hoopman Room
14 - 22 Murray Street
Nuriootpa 5355
Contact
The meetings are on the third Monday of the Month. They are held over lunch or dinner. Please contact Barb to book a seat.
21st February 12noon - 2pm
18th April 7pm - 9pm
20th June 12noon - 2pm
15th August 7pm - 9pm
17th October 12noon - 2pm
19 December 7pm - 9pm
Elizabeth Playford Lions Club
Hilcott Street
Elizabeth North 5113
Contact
Meetings on the 4th Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December 2pm - 4pm.
There will be a product rep at every meeting.