Fuerteventura General Hospital Adapts Bathroom for Ostomy Patients
It is estimated that 116 ostomized individuals reside in Fuerteventura, according to data from the Information and Prevention Center.
The General Hospital of Fuerteventura, part of the Canary Islands Health Department, has modified a restroom at the main entrance to meet the specific needs of people living with ostomies. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and ensure comfort, hygiene, and privacy for users during bag emptying and replacement.
The adapted bathroom includes:
- A toilet positioned at approximately 75 cm high.
- A wide countertop for personal belongings.
- A large, adjustable mirror placed opposite the toilet.
- An extendable faucet and a nearby sink.
These features allow ostomy care to be performed comfortably and safely, eliminating the need to bend or kneel.
Specialized Consultation
The hospital also offers a dedicated outpatient clinic for ostomy patients. This service supports individuals who have undergone surgeries that create an opening in the abdominal wall—whether of the intestinal or urinary tract. Living with an ostomy represents a major life change, and the clinic provides ongoing monitoring and specialized care.
- Since its launch in February 2023 through April 2025, the ostomy clinic has recorded 561 incidents, encompassing routine follow‑ups and new cases requiring specialized management.
- Each patient typically generates multiple consultations due to varying needs or complications, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, high‑quality care.
Ostomized Population in Fuerteventura
According to the Information and Prevention Center (CIP) data from February 2025, 116 people in the island have an ostomy:
- 29 with colostomies
- 15 with ileostomies
- 72 with urostomies or cystostomies
These procedures are performed when the intestine or bladder cannot function properly, allowing bodily waste to exit safely.
Types of Ostomies
- Colostomy – an opening of the colon to the exterior, typically required for colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe intestinal injury.
- Ileostomy – an opening of the small intestine to the exterior, indicated for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or complex intestinal surgeries.
- Urostomy – diversion of urine through an abdominal opening, commonly after bladder cancer, congenital malformations, or serious urinary‑tract injuries.
- Cystostomy (suprapubic catheter) – placement of a catheter directly into the bladder via a small opening above the pubic bone to facilitate urine drainage when urethral passage is not possible.