Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in stoma
care have a diverse role in the hospital
and community settings, working with
patients who have undergone stoma surgery
(ostomates). Hamric and Spross (1989) suggest
that a CNS is an expert in many aspects of
the specialism: clinical, education, research,
consultancy, and collaboration. In today’s NHS
climate, where cost saving is paramount, it is
necessary to be inventive in all areas of the
role to ensure that CNSs are giving a costeffective,
efficient, and high standard of service
to patients.