Aberdeen International Airport has become the first Scottish airport to make a major change to its facilities, upgrading all accessible toilets and baby change rooms to be stoma friendly. The initiative, developed with charity Colostomy UK, aims to provide greater comfort and peace of mind for travellers living with a stoma.
Nine Facilities Upgraded
In line with Colostomy UK's Stoma Friendly Toilets guidance, a total of nine toilets have been made stoma friendly. Two of these are located before security, while the other seven are available after the security checkpoint.
A stoma is an opening on the surface of the abdomen created surgically to divert the flow of urine and faeces from the bowel or bladder. This procedure is used for a range of illnesses, such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, cancer, or following trauma to the abdomen.
Features and Impact
Each facility now includes a shelf, bin, full-length mirror, and two hooks, allowing people to change their stoma bag safely, hygienically, and with dignity.
It is estimated that one in 335 people in the UK are currently living with a stoma, and many venues like supermarkets and shopping centres already offer stoma friendly toilets.
Chief executive of Colostomy UK, Libby Herbert, said: "We are delighted that Aberdeen International Airport has made all its accessible toilets and baby change rooms stoma friendly. Travelling can sometimes be stressful for people living with a stoma, particularly when they do not know whether suitable toilet facilities will be available. Simple features such as a shelf, bin, mirror and hooks can make a huge difference, giving people greater confidence, privacy and dignity."
She added: "We would like to thank Aberdeen International Airport for listening to the needs of people living with a stoma and taking action. We hope other airports and transport hubs will follow their example."
Recognition and Future Plans
Aberdeen International Airport will soon be added to Colostomy UK's Stoma Friendly Toilet Finder, which allows people to search for suitable facilities in their area.
Operations director at Aberdeen Airport, Robert Paterson, thanked the terminal staff for their hard work, adding: "We want everyone who travels through Aberdeen International Airport to feel confident, comfortable and supported throughout their journey. These simple enhancements will make a real difference for people living with a stoma, providing facilities that help them manage their condition with greater privacy and dignity."
This upgrade follows the announcement in June that Morrisons became the first supermarket chain in the UK to improve its toilets for those living with a stoma, adding stoma friendly facilities to all 497 full-sized branches.
A spokesperson from Morrisons said: "Not all disabilities are invisible, but they all deserve the same level of care. These upgrades are part of our wider commitment to accessible shopping."
