Alder Hey is introducing 11 new stoma-friendly toilets across its Children’s Health Campus as part of ongoing work to improve accessibility and support for children, families and staff.
A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body. People with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy often need specialist facilities to manage their care safely and hygienically. Standard toilets can be unsuitable, lacking the space, shelves, mirrors, sinks, and disposal facilities needed to support stoma care.
Stoma toilets are designed specifically to meet these needs. They typically include accessible sinks, mirrors, disposal bins, hooks, shelves, and adequate space for individuals to manage their equipment comfortably and privately.
This project was delivered by Alder Hey’s ACE Network, which aims to support and enhance the experiences of staff with disabilities and long-term conditions and has been fully funded by donations to Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
The first of the new stoma-friendly toilets was officially opened by 15-year-old Michael, who has a stoma himself, helping to highlight the importance of accessible and dignified facilities for children and young people living with a stoma.
Families and visitors will be able to find the stoma-friendly toilets across several areas of the Children’s Health Campus, including Outpatients, the Atrium and inpatient wards, as we continue work to improve accessibility and support for children and their families.
Seven of the new facilities are already in use, with the remaining four due to be completed soon. Existing facilities are located in Outpatients on G3 Level 1.2, in the Atrium toilets near the car park entrance, and across ward areas on Levels 1 to 4. Additional toilets are also due to open soon in Outpatients on Level 2, within the Institute in the Park building, and within Catkin on OPD Levels 1 and 2.
A radar key is required for the Outpatients and Atrium facilities and can be collected from a reception desk or concierge. Each stoma-friendly toilet will be clearly identified with a Colostomy UK sticker to help people locate the facilities more easily across the campus. For people living with a stoma, access to appropriate toilet facilities is essential to maintaining dignity, independence, and confidence in everyday life.
Access to suitable toilets can reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and help people feel able to travel, work, attend appointments, and participate fully in community life. Not all disabilities or health conditions are visible, and inclusive design should reflect the needs of everyone who uses our spaces.
We want every child, young person, and family to feel comfortable, respected and able to access our services without any added stress. These new stoma-friendly facilities are a really important step forward -providing the space and privacy needed to manage personal care with dignity, enabling confidence and ease whilst at Alder Hey.”
Anne Doyle, Alder Hey Experience Manager