Stoma-friendly toilets introduced in hospitals

A campaigner has welcomed the introduction of stoma-friendly toilets at hospitals in Hull and East Yorkshire.

Jenna Robinson, 38, founder of the Beverley Stoma Support Group, has been calling for shelves and mirrors to be installed in public toilets to make them more suitable for people living with a stoma.

The first adapted toilet has been introduced at Castle Hill Hospital, with the accessible toilets at Hull Royal Infirmary also set to be upgraded.

Robinson, who has been living with a stoma since November 2025, said: "It's just an incredible little change, but it's a massive change to all of us."

The changes include installing a shelf for equipment, mirrors, coat hooks and a disposable waste system.

Robinson said: "I know how hard it is to find the appropriate facilities to change our bags in a dignified way.

"Unfortunately, I have been at the hospital quite a few times. I've had to balance my stuff on top of a bin lid, even had to put my stuff on the floor. So, it really did get my back up, but I was very determined to get some sort of change for people."

Robinson, who works in clinical preparation at Castle Hill Hospital, said it had been a long campaign but working at the hospital helped her achieve her goal.

"Not everybody feels comfortable talking about their stoma and their journey and things, so I feel like I've sort of picked up the flag for us all," Robinson said.

"It's just incredible that people are finally listening to us now and making a change."

It comes after councillors unanimously voted to review public toilets in East Yorkshire following Robinson's campaign.

"Hopefully different councils will follow along from East Riding Council," Robinson said.

"I think it'll just be like a domino effect, with something good and positive to come out of this, because if Hull Royal and Castle Hill can do it there's no excuses really."

Robinson was fitted with a stoma in November 2025 after living with slow transit constipation for eight years.

The devices attach to a hole – or stoma – in the abdomen, allowing waste to be diverted out of the body.

More than 200,000 people live with a stoma in the UK, according to Colostomy UK.

The NHS Humber Health Partnership said there would be clear signage outside of stoma-friendly toilets.

Tracey Thomas, secretary for estates, facilities and development at Humber Health Partnership, said: "For people living with a stoma, access to appropriate facilities is essential for maintaining dignity, independence, comfort and well-being while attending appointments, visiting loved ones or working on site.

"By implementing these relatively small changes across both sites, we can make a significant difference to the experience of people living with a stoma and ensure our facilities are accessible to all."

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