Councillor Calls for Stoma-Friendly Facilities Across East Riding

Motion to Full Council aims to improve dignity, accessibility and inclusion for residents living with hidden disabilities

East Riding councillors are being asked this week to support a motion calling for a review of public conveniences and council buildings to identify opportunities to improve facilities for people living with a stoma and other medical conditions that require the regular changing of medical devices.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Denis Healy at the Full Council meeting on 29 July, follows discussions with Beverley resident Jenna, who has lived with a stoma since life-saving surgery in November 2025.

The motion asks the Council to review its facilities, consider the needs of stoma users when public conveniences are designed or refurbished, encourage accessible changing facilities in future developments, and report back with recommendations and costs.

Jenna Robinson and Cllr Denis Healy  

Councillor Denis Healy said:

"I have brought this motion because a resident in my ward, Jenna, came to me and shared her experience of living with a stoma.

Before speaking with Jenna, I knew very little about the practical difficulties that people with a stoma can face when they are away from home. What struck me was that many of the improvements being requested are incredibly simple.

We are not asking for a new department. We are not asking for huge spending commitments. In many cases, we are talking about something as simple as a shelf in an accessible toilet.

For most of us, a shelf might seem insignificant. For somebody trying to change a stoma bag safely, hygienically and with dignity, it can make a world of difference.

Local government cannot solve every problem, but sometimes small changes can have a huge impact on people's everyday lives. That's exactly what this motion is about."

Jenna, who will be attending the Council meeting, welcomed the opportunity to raise awareness of an issue affecting many people living with hidden disabilities.

She said:

"Living with a stoma has changed my life. The surgery is something I will always be grateful for, but it has also made me realise that so much of the world is not designed with people like me in mind.

When I need to change my stoma bag while I'm out, I often find toilets that don't have basic things such as a shelf, a hook on the door or enough space to manage safely. Too often people are forced to balance medical supplies on bins, tiny sinks or even use the floor.

It isn't dignified, and it creates anxiety every time you leave the house because you never know whether there will be a suitable facility when you need one.

This isn't just about me. I run a local support group for people living with a stoma, and this is something that comes up time and time again. I know there are many people whose voices are not being heard.

I'm incredibly grateful to Councillor Healy and to the Council for taking this seriously and giving people like me the chance to be heard."

Councillor Healy said the issue also highlighted a wider message about accessibility and hidden disabilities.

"Not every disability is visible. Many people face daily challenges that most of us never see.

Jenna spoke about the anxiety of leaving home and the fear of being challenged for using accessible toilets because she does not 'look disabled'. That is a powerful reminder that accessibility is about much more than ramps and doorways.

It is about dignity, understanding and ensuring that everyone can participate fully in community life."

The motion also recognises examples of good practice already within the East Riding, including facilities at the Treasure House in Beverley, which Jenna highlighted as demonstrating that practical, inclusive facilities can be successfully provided.

Councillor Healy hopes the discussion will spark a wider national conversation.

"If this motion is agreed, I hope other councils across the country will look at what we are doing and ask themselves whether they can make similar improvements.

This is a challenge faced by people living with stomas across the UK. If a council can improve somebody's quality of life through a few simple, low-cost changes, then that is something we should all be embracing.

My hope is that East Riding can help lead that conversation and show that sometimes the most meaningful changes are also the simplest."

"If East Riding can lead the way on this issue, I hope other councils across the country will start having the same conversation. This is not about expensive infrastructure projects. Sometimes improving someone's quality of life can be as simple as installing a shelf in the right place."