Morrisons is a popular UK supermarket (Image: Getty Images)
Morrisons has made a major change to its toilets nationwide, in a “supermarket first”. The supermarket announced that its accessible toilets across England, Scotland and Wales are now stoma-friendly.
The initiative aims to support independence, dignity and comfort for people living with a stoma, and it has been rolled out following customer feedback. Morrisons’ stoma-friendly toilets include features recommended by Colostomy UK, such as hooks for clothing or bags, a shelf for supplies, a bin for discreet disposal, and a mirror for appliance checks.
The change will be made in Morrisons stores across the nation (Image: Getty Images)
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The supermarket has worked with a Member of Scottish Parliament and advocate for the stoma community, Edward Mountain to introduce the new facilities.
Edward wrote to the retailer to share his story and request that the toilets be made stoma-friendly. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022 and had a stoma whilst his bowel recovered.
It is currently estimated that one in 335 people in the UK is living with a stoma. Individuals of all ages may have a stoma, which can be temporary or for the rest of their lives.
Stoma surgery is undertaken to treat a range of illnesses, including cancer, diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease or following a trauma to the abdomen.
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Morrisons says the decision represents customer feedback (Image: Getty Images)
The commitment to all stores is welcomed by Colostomy UK, which raises awareness and champions for simple changes to ensure people with a stoma can live full, active lives without unnecessary barriers.
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.
“We worked closely with Edward Mountain, who wrote to us about his personal condition and we found his letter incredibly moving.
“From this, we recognised that living with a stoma is often a hidden experience that still brings practical challenges in daily life.
“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, Member of the Scottish Parliament, 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.”
Giovanni Cinque, marketing and campaigns manager at Colostomy UK said research shows that access to suitable toilets remains one of the biggest barriers to people living confidently with a stoma.
They add that 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.
Morrisons has 497 supermarkets across the UK and more than 1,700 Morrisons Daily convenience and franchise stores.
