Hi Cecile, I am originally from the UK now live in Brisbane. We have a similar problem in that we are allowed 90 bags (2-piece sealed non-draining Hollister) or 20 drainage bags per month.
As I am having and have been having chemo for some time, I have to change much more frequently as the toxins from the chemo are so terribly harsh on the stoma causing ulcers, cuts, and tears, sores, etc. Plus, they are toxic to anyone who comes in contact with them.
After much ado about nothing, the extremely clever clerical, non-medically trained person in the health commission who has the authority to allow more finally understood when I tracked him down. I asked to see him personally to explain, and there and then at his desk in front of everyone (who were so horrified they didn't move), I lifted my top, pulled my skirt down enough, and took off the bag. I wiped my stoma and told him to have a good eyeful so he could make an informed decision. (I was good enough to put a plastic-backed padded sheet on his desk to catch any mess) I took a selfie and asked for his email so he could have a permanent record of my visit.
I then cleaned up, put on a new bag, removed all waste, gave him some hand sanitizer as well as myself, sent him the selfie, et voila! I can now get whatever I need to stay clean, fresh, and some barrier products, odor reducer (I guess he couldn't handle the smell when it was open lol), and the rest is history.
Bottom line, he was medically trained, ignored doctors' requests, and had never even seen one, so I changed that.
A bit radical but it had the desired effect. I am a retired RN, and I am sick of non-medical personnel taking control more and more from healthcare professionals. I may be past my sell-by date, but I am not about to be pushed around by bureaucrats.
By the way, he never spoke one word the whole time.
Before I go, a tip to anyone who has very runny ileostomy output. Put 1-2 teaspoons of Metamucil powder in the bottom of your bag (not drainable ones), and it will turn from a liquid to a paste consistency. It solves the odor issue if you use a flavored version. I use the berry one and smell of berries! It's much better than taking meds to try to firm it up, and it's cheap. Be careful to make sure you put it all the way to the bottom as you don't want the powder on your stoma.
Good luck everyone! Lorraine