National Services
Stoma Service
The Stoma Service is an optional NHS Scotland service that allows approved community pharmacy contractors and dispensing appliance suppliers to provide stoma appliances and related products to patients living with a stoma.
- Service type
- Optional, approved providers
- Endorsements
- CUST and DEL
- Claims via
- Electronic claim form
At a Glance
- Optional NHS Scotland service for approved providers.
- Supports the supply of stoma appliances and patient care.
- Use CUST and DEL endorsements where appropriate.
- Submit claims via the electronic Stoma Appliance Claim Form (opens in a new tab).
- Stoma Service Specification (PDF, opens in a new tab) detail
About the service
What the Stoma Service is and how appliances are supplied
The service
What is the Stoma Service?
The Stoma Service is an optional NHS Scotland service that allows approved community pharmacy contractors and dispensing appliance suppliers to provide stoma appliances and related products to patients living with a stoma. A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body when part of the bowel or urinary system is no longer functioning normally.
Community pharmacy teams play an important role in ensuring patients can access the appliances they need, while providing advice and support to help them manage their condition confidently and independently. The Stoma Service is optional and separate from the community pharmacy core contract.
Dispensing
Supplying Stoma Appliances
Patients with a stoma often require regular supplies of specialist appliances and accessories. Approved providers can dispense these products in accordance with NHS Scotland arrangements and the national list of reimbursable stoma products maintained by Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS).
Claims and Reimbursement
Endorsements, the electronic claim form and current fees
Endorsements
Customised or delivered products
Where products have been customised or delivered to the patient, the following endorsements should be used:
- CUSTProduct customised
- DELProduct delivered
Both endorsements may be used where appropriate. Claims for customisation and delivery fees should be submitted using the national electronic Stoma Appliance Claim Form.
Fees
Current fees
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Base Dispensing Fee | £5.31 |
| Customisation Fee | £4.27 |
| Delivery Fee | £3.32 |
Please note: Out-of-pocket expenses (OOP) are not payable for stoma items and should not be claimed.
Service Standards
Remaining on the approved supplier list
Compliance
The national service specification
Contractors providing the service must comply with the national service specification and maintain the standards required to remain on the approved supplier list. These standards are designed to ensure patients receive a consistent, high-quality service across Scotland.
Further information
Stoma Service Specification
Contractors wishing to understand the requirements in more detail should refer to the Stoma Service Specification, which outlines the operational, governance and service delivery standards expected of approved providers.
The future of the service
Looking Ahead
The Scottish Government is currently reviewing the Stoma Service as part of a wider quality and cost-effectiveness review. Community Pharmacy Scotland continues to engage on behalf of contractors to help ensure future arrangements support both patient care and sustainable service delivery.