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3 clusters · 32 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Ostomy awareness and support initiatives in Spain

Overview

In late September and early October 2026, healthcare institutions and patient associations across Spain organized various initiatives to mark World Ostomy Day. The primary goals of these activities were to reduce social stigma, normalize life with an ostomy, and increase visibility for affected individuals.

In Elche, the Hospital Universitario del Vinalopó held a sensitization day using the slogan ‘I am ostomized and...’ to demonstrate that a stoma does not define a person’s identity. This featured photographic exhibitions and participation from nurse and advocate Patricia Veiga, known as @ostobag. Following these efforts, the Elche General University Hospital established the ‘Escola de Pacients Ostomitzats’ (Ostomy Patient School). Led by nurses Susana López and Patricia Moreno from the Urology and Surgery departments, the program provides training and accompaniment for patients, families, and caregivers. The school offers workshops on essential topics including stoma care, nutrition, physical activity, sexuality, and emotional well-being to increase patient autonomy and help individuals integrate their new physical reality into daily life.

In Cádiz, the association Ostogades and the Hospital Puerta del Mar coordinated the IV Conference on Ostomy, themed ‘Beyond the skin: linked stories, lives in connection,’ alongside a public route to increase patient support.

Further initiatives focused on personal narratives and infrastructure. The Hospital Universitario de Dénia launched a photographic exhibition titled ‘Heroes,’ featuring eight patients from the Dénia Health Department. In Alhaurín de la Torre, local government efforts included the installation of inclusive bathrooms designed for the privacy and hygiene needs of ostomy patients, coinciding with a hospital cycling event.

Entities

Hospital Universitario de Dénia · Patricia Veiga · Susana López · Elche General University Hospital · Ostomía Málaga

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 29 sources
    Elche General Hospital launches support school for ostomy patients

    The Elche General University Hospital has launched a specialized school to provide training, practical tools, and emotional support for ostomy patients and their caregivers.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Spain launches initiatives to support ostomy patients

    Spanish initiatives are promoting ostomy awareness through a photographic exhibition in Dénia and the installation of inclusive, specialized public bathrooms in Alhaurín de la Torre.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Spanish hospitals host events for World Ostomy Day

    Spanish hospitals and associations are hosting events and conferences to mark World Ostomy Day, focusing on reducing social taboos and supporting patients living with an ostomy.

Sources

a24.es · closeup.mx · cursus.edu · denia.com · diariodealicante.net · diariodecadiz.es · diarioellibertador.com.ar · diariolaportada.com.ar · elfederalonline.com · elnacional.com.py · escambray.cu · fmdellagoesquel.com.ar · goya.tucorrientes.com · imfarmacias.es · junior.org.ar · laciutat.cat · lainformativa.com.ar · lanalhuenoticias.cl · lanocion.es · merca2.es · mitdf.com.ar · montecaserosonline.com · noticiasdeNavarra.com · noticiesdigitals.com · perfil.com · periodicoaustral.com.ar · radiobellavista.com · radiochubut.com · reusdigital.cat · rln.cl · unse.edu.ar · vivirenelche.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history