Morrisons become the first supermarket to introduce stoma-friendly toilets in all stores

06 March, 2026

– The new facilities follow on from Morrisons listening to customer feedback and represents a practical step towards strengthening access to appropriate facilities beyond the home –

– Stoma-friendly additions advised by charity Colostomy UK to improve access, comfort and confidence for people living with a stoma –

– All accessible toilets in Morrisons supermarkets nationwide are now stoma-friendly –

Colostomy UK and Morrisons are proud to announce all accessible toilets in its supermarkets, 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 has been rolled out following customer feedback.

Morrisons 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. Morrisons worked with 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 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 are living with a stoma. Individuals of all ages may have a stoma, which can be temporary or for the rest of their life. 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 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.

Leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde said: ‘These things really matter, it’s about showing basic respect to your customers and too many places, including those with accessible toilets, aren’t stoma friendly. Those of us who need these facilities always remember the places that look after us and we always go back’

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, commented: “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: “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.”

The locations of all Morrisons stores and the availability of stoma-friendly toilets will be added to Colostomy UK’s online listings of stoma-friendly toilet venues, a resource designed to make planning trips, outings, and daily activities easier by highlighting venues that offer practical, considerate facilities.

Further Information:

For more information, please contact the Morrisons PR team at The Academy on 020 7100 7100 or morrisons@theacademypr.com.

About Morrisons:

Morrisons has a rich history that dates back to 1899 when William Morrison first opened an egg and butter stall in Bradford. 125 years on, customers continue to enjoy our great quality British food and our Market Street heritage is clear to see in our c. 500 stores where skilled colleagues such as our butchers, fishmongers, and bakers proudly make and serve customers fresh food every day.

As well as our supermarkets, we also have 1,600 Morrisons Daily convenience stores – around 600 of which are franchise stores – and an online delivery service where our customers can order their groceries from the comfort of their own home and have them delivered by us or one of our partners including Amazon, Deliveroo and Just Eat.

We have a strategic partnership with Myton Food Group, packing and processing fresh meats and fish, savoury and sweet pies, fruit and veg, flower bouquets, bread and more across 18 sites. Our unique relationship means we’re proud to be British farming’s single biggest direct customer.

Our wholesaler business serves customers across the UK and further afield through our extensive network of national and regional distribution depots.

Morrisons employs around 95,000 colleagues.

About Colostomy UK:

We are Colostomy UK, a national charity dedicated to making a positive difference for anyone affected by stoma surgery. We provide practical advice, emotional support, and information whenever it’s needed, helping people living with a stoma and those who care about them to live confidently and independently. Our support includes helpline services, peer support, information resources, and projects that empower people to take on fresh challenges.

We are also a strong voice on the issues that matter to people living with a stoma. We campaign and advocate to improve everyday experiences, including access to stoma-friendly facilities such as public and workplace toilets. By raising awareness, working with businesses, policymakers, and public bodies, and promoting inclusive design, we aim to remove barriers and make life easier for everyone living with a stoma.

We want a world where having a stoma carries no stigma and presents no obstacles, where people get the right information and facilities at the right time, and can live life to the fullest.

We are supported entirely by donations and volunteers, and we receive no statutory funding. Colostomy UK is a registered charity (No. 1113471).

For more information visit www.ColostomyUK.org For stoma support call our helpline on 0800 328 4257

To find out more about our campaigning visit colostomyuk.org/campaigns

Colostomy UK media contact: Giovanni.Cinque@colostomyuk.org