Bath hospital offers nurse-led swimming lessons for stoma patients
A hospital in Bath has introduced nurse-led swimming lessons to help stoma patients build confidence in water activities.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A hospital in Bath has introduced nurse-led swimming lessons to help stoma patients build confidence in the water. The Royal United Hospital (RUH) has been running sessions for stoma users at its outdoor pool, which is used by the public, staff and patients. The programme aims to address the anxiety many people with a stoma feel about swimming, particularly the fear of their bag leaking in public.
Patients who have taken part say the sessions have transformed their lives. Claire, who has Crohn's disease and has had a stoma bag for more than 10 years, said: 'I don't think I would worry about going to a normal pool now because I've done this, because it's like kind of baby steps.' She added that she had even used geothermal pools in Iceland earlier this year, something she would not have attempted before the lessons.
Another patient, Philip, known as 'Cookie', is recovering from cancer and had his stoma fitted this spring. He described the sessions as 'a great new circle of friends' and said the nurses are in the water with them, keeping an eye on things. He has made a remarkable recovery and now enjoys cycling and swimming.
The nursing staff highlighted both the physical and psychological benefits. One nurse said: 'It's just getting that confidence to know that this is a change of your life but it doesn't stop you from doing anything. Your bottom's just moved to a different place on your body and you can carry on life as normal.' The hospital is now encouraging other NHS trusts to adopt similar swim sessions.
On screen
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Key Claims
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| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| Royal United Hospital offered swimming sessions for stoma patients and encouraged other NHS trusts to adopt similar sessions. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC report focuses on the personal, human-interest side of the story, using direct quotes from patients to illustrate the emotional and practical benefits of the swimming lessons. It highlights the role of nursing staff in providing reassurance and the hospital's ambition to spread the programme to other trusts. The tone is warm and supportive, with an emphasis on overcoming fear and building confidence.
- “I don't think I would worry about going to a normal pool now because I've done this, because it's like kind of baby steps, isn't it?”
- “It's a great new circle of friends. It's absolutely amazing.”
- “It's just getting that confidence to know that this is a change of your life but it doesn't stop you from doing anything.”
Broadcast Timeline
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