Ostomy Care Products: A Complete Procurement Guide for Canadian Healthcare Providers
Over 100,000 Canadians live with an ostomy, and approximately 15,000 new ostomy surgeries are performed each year in Canada. For hospitals, home care agencies, and LTC facilities, sourcing the right ostomy products is essential for patient quality of life and cost-effective care management.
This guide covers ostomy pouching systems, skin barriers, accessories, and procurement strategies for the Canadian healthcare market.
Figure 1: Hollister New Image™ Skin Barrier with CeraPlus™ Technology. (Source: Hollister)
Understanding Ostomy Types and Product Requirements
There are three main types of ostomy, each with specific product needs:
- Colostomy: Output is semi-formed; closed-end pouches or drainable pouches with filter are most common
- Ileostomy: Output is liquid to semi-liquid; drainable pouches with a secure closure (clamp or Lock 'n Roll™) are preferred
- Urostomy: Liquid output (urine) requires a drainable pouch with a spigot valve for emptying
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Systems
One-piece systems integrate the skin barrier and pouch into a single unit, offering simplicity and a low-profile feel. They are ideal for patients with dexterity issues or active lifestyles. Two-piece systems, like Hollister New Image® and Coloplast SenSura® Mio, allow the pouch to be changed without removing the skin barrier, reducing skin irritation and waste. Two-piece systems are generally preferred for Canadian home care programs because they reduce overall product consumption.
Figure 2: Hollister New Image™ Two-Piece Drainable Pouch with Lock 'n Roll™ Closure. (Source: Hollister)
Skin Barriers and Convexity
The skin barrier (also called a flange or wafer) is the foundation of ostomy care. Flat barriers work for flush or protruding stomas, while convex barriers are designed for flush or retracted stomas to improve seal and prevent leakage. ConvaTec ActiveLife® and Coloplast SenSura® Mio Convex are leading convex options in Canada. Hollister CeraPlus™ technology incorporates ceramide to help protect the skin barrier function.
Essential Ostomy Accessories
- Stoma paste and powder: Fills gaps and absorbs moisture around the stoma
- Skin barrier wipes/sprays: Create a protective film on peristomal skin
- Belt and support garments: Provide security and hernia prevention
- Odor control: Pouch filters and deodorizing drops improve confidence
- Removal wipes and sprays: Reduce skin trauma during barrier changes
Procurement Considerations for Canadian Healthcare
- Provincial formularies: Each province has different coverage for ostomy products — Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Alberta's AADL, and BC's MAP all have specific listings
- Trial kits: Most manufacturers offer free sample kits for patient assessment before bulk purchasing
- Volume discounts: GPOs like HealthPRO Canada and Medbuy negotiate national contracts for ostomy supplies
- Continuous vs. convex: Many LTC patients eventually require convex barriers; plan your formulary accordingly
- Skin health: Invest in ceramide-enhanced barriers (e.g., CeraPlus™) to reduce peristomal skin complications
CliniEco Medical offers a comprehensive range of ostomy care products from Hollister, Coloplast, and ConvaTec for Canadian hospitals, LTC facilities, and home care agencies. Contact our team for competitive pricing and bulk procurement options.
Key Benefits for Canadian Healthcare Facilities
Choosing the right ostomy products directly impacts patient quality of life and reduces complications. Canadian healthcare procurement managers should prioritize products with Health Canada NHP Number or MDEL certification. Bulk purchasing through a dedicated medical supply distributor reduces per-unit costs by 15-25% compared to retail sourcing.
Where to Source in Canada
Most Canadian hospitals and LTC homes source ostomy supplies through group purchasing organizations (GPOs) or direct from specialized distributors. For smaller clinics and home care agencies, working with a distributor that offers both clinical supplies and ostomy products simplifies procurement and reduces administrative overhead.
Related reading: learn more about Canadian medical procurement in our business hub.
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