Morrisons makes major change to store toilets across the UK in 'supermarket first'
An estimated one in 335 people in the UK lives with a stoma 🚻
- Morrisons has become the first supermarket to make all accessible bathrooms stoma-friendly.
- An estimated one in 335 people in the UK lives with a stoma.
- The initiative will be rolled out in all Morrison stores across England, Scotland and Wales.
In what has been described as a “supermarket first”, all accessible toilets in Morrisons will now be stoma-friendly.
The supermarket chain has rolled out the initiative in its stores across England, Scotland and Wales, following customer feedback.
The stoma-friendly toilets 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. It aims to support independence, dignity and comfort for people living with a stoma.
The supermarket worked with Member of the Scottish Parliament and stoma advocate, Edward Mountain, who wrote to the retailer to share his story and request that toilets be made stoma-friendly. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 and had a stoma whilst his bowel recovered.
The MSP 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.
“I am immensely grateful to Morrisons, who engaged with me positively from the outset and have come good on their pledge. I hope other supermarkets and major public-facing businesses take heed of this excellent example.”
An estimated one in 335 people in the UK lives with a stoma. People of any age may have a stoma, which can be temporary or lifelong. Stoma surgery is undertaken to treat a range of illnesses, including cancer, diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease or following a trauma to the abdomen.
The news that all stores will include a stoma-friendly bathroom is welcomed by Colostomy UK. In a statement, Giovanni Cinque, Marketing and Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, said: “Our research shows that access to suitable toilets remains one of the biggest barriers to people living confidently with a stoma.
“Many tell us they carefully plan journeys, cut trips short, or only go out when absolutely necessary because they are unsure what facilities will be available. Stoma-friendly features such as a shelf, a bin for discreet disposal, hooks and a mirror may seem simple, but they make a real difference to comfort, dignity and peace of mind.
“We welcome Morrisons’ commitment to introducing these changes in stores nationwide and thank them for listening to the stoma community and taking practical action to improve access.”
Colostomy UK have added Morrisons to its stoma-friendly toilet listings. You can find out more about the closest stoma-friendly toilet near you at Colostomy UK.