ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Morrisons claims to have become the first supermarket chain in the UK to make all its accessible toilets stoma-friendly.

The washrooms incorporate 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.

Morrisons worked with Scottish Parliament member and advocate for stoma users Edward Mountain to introduce the new facilities. Mountain was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 and was given a stoma while his bowel recovered. He wrote to Morrisons to share his story and then asked for the toilets be made stoma-friendly.

Around one in 335 people in the UK are currently living with a temporary or permanent stoma due to various conditions such as cancer, diverticulitis and Crohn's disease or following a trauma to the abdomen.

Colostomy UK welcomed Morrisons' commitment to stoma-friendly toilets. The charity raises awareness and asks for simple changes to be made to ensure that people with a stoma can live full, active lives without unnecessary barriers.

"We're really pleased to introduce these improvements in all our stores after listening to customers and with guidance from Colostomy UK," said David Scott, corporate affairs director at Morrisons.

"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."

Edward Mountain stressed the importance of the move. "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," he said.