Morrisons Introduces Stoma-Friendly Toilets Across All UK Supermarkets

What The New Stoma-Friendly Toilets In Morrisons Stores Mean For Shoppers

Morrisons has announced that all accessible toilets across its supermarkets in England, Scotland and Wales are now stoma-friendly, following feedback from customers and guidance from the charity Colostomy UK.

The move is designed to make everyday shopping trips easier and more comfortable for people living with a stoma. By introducing a few practical changes to facilities that many customers already rely on, the retailer hopes to improve independence, dignity and confidence for those who need them.

The rollout follows conversations with customers and advocacy from Scottish Member of Parliament Edward Mountain, who contacted Morrisons to share his personal experience after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022.

What Is A Stoma And Why Facilities Matter

A stoma is an opening created through surgery that allows waste to leave the body through the abdomen instead of the usual digestive route.

People may have a stoma for a number of medical reasons. These include bowel cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or injuries to the digestive system. In some cases the stoma is temporary while the body heals, while for others it becomes a permanent part of daily life.

It is estimated that around one in 335 people in the UK live with a stoma, which means many shoppers rely on accessible and supportive facilities when they are out of the house.

For many people with a stoma, access to suitable toilets can make a big difference to whether they feel confident leaving home, travelling or spending time out shopping.

What Makes A Toilet “Stoma-Friendly”?

The changes introduced by Morrisons focus on practical features that make managing a stoma appliance easier and more discreet when away from home.

The updated accessible toilets now include:

• hooks for clothing or bags • a shelf for supplies and equipment • a bin for discreet disposal • a mirror to help with appliance checks

These additions may seem simple, but they help provide the space and privacy needed for people to manage their stoma comfortably.

The features were introduced following guidance from Colostomy UK, a charity that supports people living with a stoma and works to improve awareness and accessibility across public spaces.

The Role Of Customer Feedback

The initiative began after Edward Mountain, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, wrote to Morrisons to explain the practical challenges people with stomas can face when using public toilets.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2022, he lived with a stoma while his bowel recovered following surgery. His experience highlighted how difficult everyday situations can become when suitable facilities are not available.

Morrisons worked with him and with Colostomy UK to understand what improvements would make the biggest difference.

The supermarket then committed to introducing those changes across its entire store estate.

Why Access To Facilities Is So Important

According to research from Colostomy UK, the availability of suitable toilet facilities is one of the biggest concerns for people living with a stoma.

Some people report planning journeys carefully, cutting trips short or avoiding certain activities entirely because they are unsure what facilities will be available.

Small practical improvements can therefore have a meaningful impact on confidence and independence.

Features such as shelves, mirrors and discreet disposal bins help people manage their appliances comfortably and privately when they are away from home.

Helping People Plan Trips With Confidence

To make it easier for people to find suitable facilities when travelling or shopping, Morrisons stores with stoma-friendly toilets will now be included in Colostomy UK’s online directory of accessible venues.

This resource helps people locate places that provide the facilities they need, making it easier to plan outings and everyday activities.

By ensuring every store has these features in place, Morrisons hopes customers living with a stoma can feel more confident visiting its supermarkets.

A Small Change That Can Make A Big Difference

Many accessibility improvements do not require major building changes. Often it is small details that have the greatest impact on how usable a space feels for the people who rely on it.

Adding shelves, hooks and mirrors may appear minor, but for people managing a stoma appliance these features can make everyday tasks far easier.

With thousands of customers visiting supermarkets every day, the changes introduced by Morrisons could quietly remove a barrier for many people who previously found public facilities difficult to use.

FAQs About Stoma-Friendly Toilets

What is a stoma?

A stoma is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body. Waste is collected in a stoma bag attached to the skin. Stomas may be temporary or permanent depending on the medical condition being treated.

Why do people need stoma-friendly toilets?

People with a stoma often need space and suitable facilities to change or check their appliance. Shelves, mirrors and disposal bins make this process easier and more hygienic when away from home.

How common are stomas in the UK?

It is estimated that around one in 335 people in the UK live with a stoma, meaning many people rely on suitable facilities in public places.

What features make a toilet stoma-friendly?

Typical features include a shelf for supplies, hooks for clothing or bags, a mirror to check appliances and a bin for discreet disposal.

Are stoma-friendly toilets only found in hospitals?

No. Increasingly supermarkets, shopping centres and public venues are introducing these facilities so people living with a stoma can travel and shop with greater confidence.