ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Public toilets in a UK county are to be made stoma-friendly with the provision of shelves, hooks and mirrors.

North Devon Council said it hoped the new additions would help the county's nearly 300 stoma users to feel more confident when going out and about.

A stoma is a surgically-created opening on the surface of the abdomen designed to divert the flow of faeces or urine, which is then collected in a changeable bag.

"Adding equipment to public loos so that people can arrange their stoma supplies and change their bags in private is a simple and low-cost way to help decrease stigma for north Devon's stoma users," said councillor Graham Bell who proposed the motion.

More than 60 per cent of people with stomas say the lack of facilities such as hooks, suitable shelf spaces, mirrors and disposal bins has a negative effect on their daily lives according to a survey by Colostomy UK.

The charity has been working closely with businesses and other organisations to create more stoma-friendly toilets in public spaces such as railway stations, football grounds and visitor attractions.

TransPennine Express announced in 2025 that it would now be incorporating shelves, hooks, mirrors and disposal facilities in every accessible toilet at its stations.

Blackpool Football Club followed suit last September and is working with Colostomy UK to make its stadium toilets stoma-friendly. And shopping centre Liverpool ONE has also unveiled a new wave of accessibility enhancements including stoma-friendly toilets.