CULGOA-based Emily Mudge has launched Sunflower Nursing – Ostomy and Wound Solutions to deliver a much-needed allied medical support service for regional and rural areas across northwest Victoria.
Born and raised in the Mallee region, Ms Mudge has a lifelong understanding of the challenges which come with accessing medical support in rural areas.
“Late last year, Sunflower Nursing was founded in response to the limited access to stomal therapy and wound care consultants in the Mallee region,” Ms Mudge said.
“Recognising the vital importance of rural health, I am dedicated to bridging the gap in nursing support access and availability across the area.”
Stomal therapy is a specialised nursing service focused on helping individuals with a stoma – a surgically created opening in the body to allow waste to drain from an organ, such as a colostomy, tracheostomy, illeostomy.
These services also extend to those preparing for surgery which may result in a stoma, ensuring they receive comprehensive pre- and post-operative support.
As a registered nurse with nearly a decade of experience, Ms Mudge brings extensive expertise as a wound, ostomy, and continence clinical nurse consultant, through completion of a Graduate Certificate in Wound, Ostomy and Continence at Curtin University, WA.
Ms Mudge said many people had limited awareness of what a stoma or chronic wound entailed, with understanding often coming only when individuals or their loved ones were directly impacted.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in Australia, and many individuals who undergo surgery for this condition require a stoma.
Yet she said access to consistent and specialised support for these individuals remained severely limited across regional Victoria.
“Unfortunately, this is significantly affected due to a lack of funding and recognition of the specialised care we provide, and this lack of access can leave individuals feeling isolated and uncertain, often unaware of where to find the care they need,” Ms Mudge said.
Without proper support, these individuals face a reduced quality of life and a higher risk of preventable health complications.
The strain on local GP clinics, many of which rely on locum GPs exacerbates the situation and with inconsistent availability of primary care, more people are forced to seek treatment in emergency departments – care which could have been avoided with adequate GP and specialised nursing support.
“This unfortunate cycle can commonly result in avoidable hospital admissions, increasing pressures on the already overrun health services,” Ms Mudge said.
“Adding to this challenge, stomal therapy, wound and continence clinical nurse consultants are not currently recognised under the Medicare Benefits Scheme, making specialised care financially inaccessible for many. Without proper funding and rebates, those in need often struggle to afford the essential care they require to maintain their health and well-being.
“I want to build a reputation for delivering comprehensive, safe, and evidence-based support, education, and management for stomal therapy and wound care throughout the Mallee region.”
By leveraging her extensive clinical experience, Ms Mudge hopes to bridge the gap in healthcare access while also raising community and professional awareness around stomal therapy and wound care.
She is also committed to collaborating with local health networks and providers, working alongside them to enhance their knowledge, skills, and care delivery for clients requiring stomal therapy and wound care services.
By fostering these partnerships, she aims to create a more integrated and informed healthcare system that better serves regional communities.
In addition to her clinical work, Ms Mudge is actively liaising with local Members of Parliament to advocate for greater awareness, increased funding, and stronger support for these essential healthcare services.
Sunflower Nursing offers face-to-face home visits, telehealth consultations and education and mentoring for healthcare professionals.
Looking ahead, Ms Mudge envisions expanding her services to include outreach clinics across regional Victoria, ensuring that those in remote communities receive the specialised care they deserve.
Further details from enquiries@sunflowernursing.org, 0400 223 736 or www.sunflowernursing.org
