THE WINNIPEG OSTOMY ASSOCIATION (WOA)

Welcome to the The Winnipeg Ostomy Association's Informational listing! (updated September 30, 2007)

W.O.A. Informational Index

237-2022

Other Services

Surfin'

The W.O.A. Is

The Winnipeg Ostomy Association (WOA) a self-help group formed in 1972 to assist people with ostomy and related surgeries in Winnipeg and the surrounding area. We are strictly a volunteer organization, depending on member involvement to operate and on membership dues to pay expenses. The WOA has a current membership of 280 and there are about 3000 ostomates in the Province of Manitoba. The Winnipeg Ostomy Association (WOA) is a chapter of the United Ostomy Association of Canada, Inc. (UOA of C), a national voluntary health organization dedicated to assisting people who have or will have intestinal or urinary tract diversions. We provide a visiting program to those having ostomy related sureries. Trained and certified members visit people having ostomy surgery, either pre- or post-operatively, and provide information, share experiences and give emotional support. We visit over 100 people each year. We also provide educational services; support to the family unit; advocacy; and promote our services to the public and professional communities. Annual membership dues are currently Can$40.00. Here's how to join. WOA members receive Inside Out, the chapter newsletter, U.O.A. of C's Ostomy Canada magazine, and the benefit of meeting others with ostomies and listening to ostomy related presentations at our regular meetings. The Winnipeg Ostomy Association is a not-for-profit registered charity and welcomes bequests and donations.

Link to WOA Executive Officers, Committees & ET ListingUpdated Sept 28/07
Link to Our Constitution

What is an Ostomy?

The word ostomy signifies a type of surgery required when a person has lost the normal function of the bladder or bowel due to birth defects, disease, injury or other disorders. Such operations include colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy and related procedures.
The surgery allows for normal bodily wastes to be expelled through a new surgical opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall. Most persons with ostomies must wear special appliances over the stoma.

In Manitoba there are over 3000 ostomates, nearly 60% of which are 65 years of age or older.

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Visitation Services

A Visiting Service is available for anyone who has or will have an intestinal or urinary tract diversion. We provide pre-operative and post-operative visiting at the request of the patient. This service is provided to members and non-members alike.

The WOA runs a visitor training program each year. New visitors undergo a full days training by medical personnel and each visitor undergoes an evening retraining session every two years.
All visits are done in consultation with the medical professionals involved in each case.

Please contact our Visiting Chairperson, Cathy Zitzelsberger at (204) 339-2832.

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Publications

  1. The W.O.A. publishes "Inside Out" our chapter newsletter, 8 times a year.
  2. The U.O.A. of Canada publishes the "Ostomy Canada" 2 times a year.
  3. We have informational pamphlets on various related topics available.
  4. Publications available through UOA Canada

How to Contact Us?

Our Meetings Are?

All persons with ostomies, spouses, family members, friends and interested members of the medical profession are very welcome to attend our meetings and social functions. Meetings are held at the SMD Building, 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB. Auditorium, at 7:30 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except June, July, August and December).

We usually have guest speakers on a variety of health related topics at our meetings. I will update the Upcoming Events once a program is confirmed.

Go to Upcoming Events
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How to Contact Us?

Please Contact either: