Middlesbrough Station Enhances Accessibility with Stoma-Friendly Toilet Installation

A railway station has introduced a stoma-friendly toilet facility, aiming to enhance accessibility. This new amenity at Middlesbrough station includes a shelf, hooks, and a back rest, fulfilling the specifications set by Colostomy UK. Despite this improvement, one advocate has stated that such modifications ought to be “standard” provisions. Gill Castle, notable as the first individual with a stoma to complete a Channel swim, articulated that the “lack of proper toilet facilities prevent people being part of their community”. TransPennine Express, the operator of the station, declared its commitment for its services and stations to be “accessible and inclusive for everyone”. Mrs. Castle, a resident of Alnwick, Northumberland, underwent a colostomy procedure following a fourth-degree tear sustained during the birth of her son in 2011. She commented, “It’s really intimidating for people, leaving the house and not knowing if you’re going to have access to facilities to change your bag.” She further added, “I don’t think people really appreciate that it’s really small things like this which make a massive difference.” “I hope that people can see it doesn’t take a lot to make life more bearable, you don’t need to spend a lot of money,” she expressed. According to Colostomy UK’s estimations, approximately one in 335 individuals within the UK population currently live with a stoma. A representative from the charity indicated that findings from its 2022 survey showed that 62% of those surveyed felt that a deficit of “suitable toilet facilities” adversely affected their daily existence. They also stated that this situation deters individuals from “many of the activities much of society takes for granted, which can lead to isolation and exclusion”.