Morrisons has been praised for introducing stoma-friendly toilets across all 497 of its stores in England, Scotland, and Wales. The initiative, implemented earlier this year, aims to support independence, dignity, and comfort for people living with a stoma.
Features of Stoma-Friendly Toilets
The new facilities include features advised by Colostomy UK, such as hooks for clothing or bags, a shelf for supplies, a bin for discreet disposal, and a mirror to help with appliance checks. The move was rolled out following customer feedback and has been widely praised for its impact on the stoma community.
Elaine Miller wrote on X: "This is great news. Men with stomas or who use pads need hygienic bins too." Another user, Gale, added: "I just want to say congratulations and thank you for rolling out toilets fit for disabled and ostomats across all your full sized stores. Small changes make a big difference to the lives of 1 in 335 UK people with a stoma."
Collaboration with Stoma Advocate
Morrisons worked with Edward Mountain, a Member of the Scottish Parliament and advocate for the stoma community, to introduce the new facilities. Mountain was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 and had a stoma whilst his bowel recovered. He said: "As a bowel cancer survivor, and as someone who’s lived with the consequences of bowel surgery and a stoma, I cannot emphasise how important this is. These new facilities will make bathrooms easier to use, more accessible, and spell the end of the difficulties, embarrassment and discomfort many of us faced to this point."
Impact on the Stoma Community
It is currently estimated that one in 335 people in the UK are living with a stoma. Individuals of all ages may have a stoma, which can be temporary or permanent. Stoma surgery is undertaken to treat a range of illnesses including cancer, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease, or following trauma to the abdomen.
David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said: "We’re really pleased to introduce these improvements in all our stores after listening to customers and with guidance from Colostomy UK. By making facilities easier to use across all Morrisons stores, we hope this brings reassurance when out and about and represents a step towards reducing everyday barriers and improving access to suitable facilities across the country."
