This was a qualitative study, the design of which was based on ideas from the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis The study examined the concept of human needs from the perspectives of individuals who have an ileostomy or a colostomy and attempted to ascertain their evaluation of the way in which their needs were fulfilled during the time they spent in hospital Respondents consisted of a convenience sample of six individuals who had recent expenence of surgery involving the formation of a stoma Data were collected through unstructured, non‐directive interviews Analysis of data involved identification of themes and categones that emerged from the transcripts of the interviews Findings indicated that while individuals' physical needs were met, their psychological and sociocultural needs were not identified This seems to imply that nurses may not be aware of the relevance of these needs to individuals who have an ileostomy or a colostomy Since respondents identified the existence of a good relationship with nurses as being conducive to the fulfilment of these needs, it could be inferred that nurses may lack the skills that are necessary to develop a good relationship with those who are m their ca