Minutes of Meeting

January 15, 2004

Couldn't make it to the meeting and wondering what you missed? Learn about what we discussed and the guest speakers who enlightened us.


Executives in Attendance

• Caroline Chiasson – President
• Heather Smith – Vice President
• Edith Scheliga – Treasurer
• Deanna Sterling – Secretary, Webmaster and Newsletter Editor

Co-Ordinators in Attendance

• Brenda Turner – Visitor Co-Ordinator
• Joy Ibsen – Social Co-Ordinator

ET Advisor in Attendance

• Ruth Best – London Health Sciences Centre

Guest Speakers

• Charlie Stanton – ConvaTec Representative
• Kevin Saunders and Carrie Piper – Shoppers Home Health Care

• 16 members, caregivers and guests attended
   (in addition to the above)

   For the record, it should be noted that a young ostomate, age 12,
   joined LDOA at this meeting and became its youngest member!

The meeting commenced at 7:15 p.m.

Caroline Chiasson opened the meeting by making the following announcements.

  • Reminder that the Visitor Training Workshop is slated for March of 2004. Details to follow the closer we get to March.



  • There are members who would like to attend the meetings but are unable to do so as they have no means of transportation (either no vehicle, no easy access to a bus route or cannot afford a taxi). Anyone willing to offer a ride to someone who lives in their area was asked to leave their name and phone number with Caroline. If you missed this announcement and can offer someone a ride, please do not hesitate to contact Caroline at 643-0124.

Ruth Best answered questions from the group from 7:15 until approximately 7:35.

Guest speaker, Kevin Saunders, manager of Shoppers Home Health Care (Adelaide and Commissioners), provided us with information which can be found under his store listing on the Ostomy Suppliers page. It is especially noteworthy to point out:

  • Beginning with the March 2004 issue, LDOA members will receive two coupons with LDOA's newsletter which entitles non-seniors to a 10% discount off regular retail prices up to a maximum of $50.00. No expiration date on the coupons.



  • You may make arrangements to deposit your ADP cheque with them and pay for your supplies in this manner. No admin fee will be deducted from your  ADP cheque, and you will also receive an additional 10% discount on your purchases.



  • Last Thursday of each month is Seniors Day (age 60 and over) – 20% discount up to a maximum of $50.00. However, if you open an ADP account with them, there is no limit on your purchases that will receive the 20% seniors discount.  You don't even have to leave the house to take advantage of the Seniors Days discount. Shoppers accepts phone orders and will deliver your purchases to you.



Guest speaker, Charlie Stanton, a representative from ConvaTec, gave a very informative presentation about ConvaTec's new product lines. Of the products Charlie discussed, the following are especially noteworthy.

SUR-FIT Natura Durahesive Moldable Convex Skin Barrier with Flange. First there was cut-to-fit. Now here's the first mold-to-fit convex skin barrier. SUR-FIT Natura Durahesive Moldable Convex Skin Barrier with flange allows the skin barrier/wafer opening to be molded (using your fingers) to the shape and size of the stoma without the need for scissors. Creates a customized stomal opening for retracted, flush, round, oval or irregular stomas. Accommodates 1/2 inch to 1-3/4 inch stomas with just three mold-to-fit sizes. Must be used with the SUR-FIT Natura pouches.

Esteem Synergy Short Closed-End Pouch with Filter
Esteem Synergy combines the benefits of one- and two-piece systems. This appliance utilizes an adhesive coupling technology that connects the pouch to the skin barrier and eliminates the need for plastic rings that have to be snapped or locked together. It has a flat, flexible adhesive foam ring on a pouch that securely connects with a clear, flat, flexible plastic "landing zone" flange on a skin barrier. The closed-end pouches are designed for one-time usage, which makes them ideal for special occasions or intimate moments. Esteem Synergy features an advanced filter system designed to absorb and neutralize odour-causing agents. Four slits on the filter with removable stickers allow for individual control over the speed of the gas release. The short size is 7-3/4 inches in length.

If you want to look up further information about these products and view photos, you'll have to visit  ConvaTec's USA web site    as these items (although available in Canada) are not shown on the Canadian web site yet.

In addition, Charlie distributed:

  • Booklets geared towards new or soon-to-be ostomates entitled "Living With Confidence After Ileostomy • Colostomy • Urostomy Surgery" (booklet for each type)



  • An informative booklet entitled "Preventing and Managing Peristomal Skin Problems"



  • A postage-paid coupon which, when completed and mailed to ConvaTec's Canadian head office, will garner you a free travel kit (retail value $40), complete with stoma measuring guide, curved scissors and magnetized mirror (ideal for placing on washroom doors)

It was such an interesting meeting with so much activity  taking place at Charlie's samples and booklets tables, we forgot to hold the 50/50 draw!!

The meeting concluded at 9:15 p.m.


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