Eligibility and Referrals
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for registration with the Manitoba Ostomy Program, a person must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Manitoba
- Have an active Manitoba Health number and PHIN
- Have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, or a wound or fistula which requires pouching
Referral Process
Pre-Operative Referral
The Manitoba Ostomy Program (MOP) accepts pre-operative referrals from:
- Grace Hospital (Winnipeg)
- Rural hospitals throughout Manitoba with the exception of PMH clients
It is strongly recommended that all clients undergoing bowel or bladder surgery that may result in an ostomy be seen pre-operatively by an NSWOC nurse. Pre-operative education and stoma site marking are important steps in supporting the best possible post-operative outcomes for clients undergoing ostomy surgery. The Manitoba Ostomy Program aims to see eligible clients prior to their surgery whenever possible.
Please note:
- St. Boniface Hospital (SBH) and Health Sciences Centre (HSC): Pre-operative referrals are directed to their respective dedicated NSWOC departments.
- Prairie Mountain Health (PMH): Pre-operative referrals are directed to the Brandon Hospital NSWOC Department.
Outpatient Pre-Op Referrals (elective or scheduled surgeries)
The Manitoba Ostomy Program provides pre-operative ostomy teaching for clients having surgery at all Manitoba hospitals, with the exception of St. Boniface, the Health Sciences Centre, and Brandon Regional Health Centre. Appointments take place at the MOP clinic in Winnipeg.
If a client is not able to attend due to an inability to travel, or other difficulty, we will contact the client and attempt to make alternative arrangements, depending on the client’s need.
Referral form must be completed by the surgeon’s office/pre-admission clinic.
Appointments are completed within 7-14 days prior to surgery date.
Resources
Inpatient Pre-Op Referrals – Grace Hospital Only (urgent/emergency surgeries)
For urgent/emergency pre-op referrals for Grace Hospital inpatients, please fax the hospital consult to the MOP office at (204) 938-5810. For requests within 24 hours, please follow up by calling MOP at (204)-787-0612.
Please note MOP office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Post-Operative Referral
Inpatient
The Manitoba Ostomy Program provides post-operative teaching for all clients who have ostomy surgery at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Post-op referrals can be made via hospital consult fax to MOP at (204) 938-5810.
Outpatient/Clients with an established stoma/already open to MOP
Once registered with the Manitoba Ostomy Program, clients may self-refer by calling (204) 787-0612 or emailing the program.
Inpatient Referrals for Established Stomas
Manitoba Ostomy Program can assist community hospitals with troubleshooting leaking ostomy appliances and ostomy–related skin issues. You may fax consults to MOP, and an NSWOC nurse will follow up by phone, email, or in-person assessment, as deemed appropriate by the NSWOC.
Moving to/out of Manitoba
Clients who are new to Manitoba can self-refer to the Manitoba Ostomy Program by calling the Manitoba Ostomy Program office at (204) 787-0612. Clients must meet the MOP eligibility requirements.
Clients moving out of the province can take an additional 3-month order with them before leaving Manitoba. MOP cannot deliver supplies to a mailing address outside Manitoba.