‘Helping avoid embarrassment, and garnering a greater understanding of the needs of people living with hidden illnesses such as a stoma,’ were just two of the reasons Cardiff Airport partnered with Respond Healthcare recently, as staff undertook stoma training with Respond’s nursing team.
Next Generation Security is now fully operational at the National Airport of Wales. The new technology allows passengers to leave liquids under 100ml in their hand luggage, along with all electronics, providing an enhanced customer experience. The scanners are able to detect a wide range of medical devices worn on the body for many healthcare needs. With this new capability came a need for increased awareness and understanding of invisible illnesses such as a stoma, an opening in the abdomen that can be connected to either your digestive or urinary system to allow waste (urine or faeces) to be diverted out of your body and collected in a bag after part or all of the bowel is removed due to disease or obstruction.
As part of its role representing ostomates and the stoma care industry on the airport’s forum for ‘Passengers with Reduced Mobility and Disability,’ Respond Healthcare provided stoma training to Cardiff Airport’s security teams in advance of the scanners going live. In total, eight workshops were conducted over four days, training approximately 80 staff, from within security, PRM (passengers with reduced mobility team), and the cleansing team.
The workshop comprised of a 45-minute classroom session conducted by Respond Healthcare’s nurses, and guest input from ostomates, Keith Thomas and Rachel Allen, who are part of action group, #BeTheChange Voices, calling for changes to be made within society, and for Wales to lead the way nationally, and for Cardiff to become the capital of the UK for understanding the needs of people living with a stoma and more widely invisible illnesses.
Importantly, a practical session was also included allowing ostomates to go through the scanners, enabling them to see how the new scanners detect someone wearing an ostomy bag and to have the opportunity to discuss how best to approach the subject and conduct a search.
Commenting on the training, #BetheChange Voices action group member, Rachel Allen from Newport, said:
“It was a pleasure to take part and be asked to contribute to developing a greater understanding of invisible illness.
“As someone who has a stoma, and has a baby and son with a stoma, I consider it vitally important that people comprehend how scary it can be for a child, or adult, to go through a security scanner and worry about being humiliated due to a lack of awareness. I was able to explain to the airport staff that it’s crucial not to make children feel scared or like they have done anything wrong. The airport staff were superb and thoroughly took on board the advice both I and the nurses were able to impart.”
Ceri Mashlan, Cardiff Airport’s Operations Director, said:
“Our teams enjoyed taking part in this vital training. We work tirelessly to provide a great experience for customers and the security screening is an important part of that. We want to make everyone feel comfortable when travelling through Cardiff Airport. On behalf of the entire team that took part, I’d like to thank Keith, Rachel and everyone at Respond Healthcare for attending.”
As part of its ongoing work to support people living with invisible illness, Respond Healthcare created the #BetheChange campaign. This initiative has included the creation of new accessible toilet signage; a broken circle, which is designed to encourage entry and be inclusive and supportive of all people living with hidden illnesses, be it Alzheimer’s, a stoma, anxiety or any other of the conditions experienced by people who need to use an accessible toilet but don’t have a visible illness.
Cardiff Council became the first Local Authority to pilot the new toilet signage and Cardiff University Student Union, St David’s Sixth Form College, and Utilita Arena Cardiff have also adopted the signage.
Respond Healthcare, provides dispensing, home delivery and support services to the stoma and continence care community.
