Paddington Station first Network Rail station to offer a ‘stoma-friendly’ toilet

London’s Paddington station has become the first station managed by Network Rail to offer stoma friendly toilet facilities, which contains additional features for those who have had stoma surgery.

More than 200,000 people are living with a stoma in the UK, and facilities to accommodate their additional requirements are still relatively rare. The new toilet is located next to platform 12, which is on the right-hand side of the station if you’re in the main concourse facing the ticket barriers.

Paddington’s new facilities are ‘stoma friendly’ as they include:

• Shelves to provide a clean surface where people can put their medical supplies.
• A bin inside the cubicle to dispose of used stoma bags discreetly, and
• A full height mirror which enables people to view their stoma while changing their bag.

(c) Network Rail

Signage on the door reminds people that not all disabilities are visible, which has been shown to reduce any hostility towards those with a hidden disability who are using accessible facilities.

Natalia Basarab, Network Rail’s stations health, safety and environment adviser for Western route, said: “We’re pleased to be able to provide a stoma-friendly toilet for our passengers at Paddington station.

“We want the railway to be welcoming for everyone. Stoma-friendly toilets are more inclusive and will enable people to change their bags in a clean and safe environment.

“I’d like to thank Colostomy UK for their guidance and hope that those visiting the station with a stoma will be able to travel with confidence, knowing that these facilities are available to them.”