Aberdeen International Airport has made all of its accessible toilets and baby-changing rooms stoma friendly, helping passengers living with a stoma travel with greater confidence, comfort and dignity - a great, positive news story to kick off the Cheap Airpot Parking Accessible Travel series.
The airport worked with Colostomy UK to introduce the improvements across nine facilities. Two are located before airport security, with a further seven available after passengers have passed through security.
What makes a toilet stoma friendly?
People living with a stoma may need a suitable space to empty or change their stoma bag while travelling. Having the right facilities available can make this process safer, cleaner and more discreet.
Each of Aberdeen Airport’s upgraded facilities now includes:
- A shelf or flat surface near the toilet
- A waste bin inside the cubicle
- A full-length mirror
- Two hooks for clothing, supplies and belongings
Although these are relatively simple additions, they can make a significant difference. Passengers have somewhere clean to place their supplies, a suitable place to dispose of used products and the space needed to manage their stoma privately.
Helping passengers travel with confidence
Libby Herbert, Chief Executive of Colostomy UK, welcomed the changes and explained that uncertainty around suitable toilet facilities can make travelling stressful for people living with a stoma.
She said, “We are delighted that Aberdeen International Airport has made all its accessible toilets and baby change rooms stoma friendly.
“Travelling can sometimes be stressful for people living with a stoma, particularly when they do not know whether suitable toilet facilities will be available. Simple features such as a shelf, bin, mirror and hooks can make a huge difference, giving people greater confidence, privacy and dignity.
“We would like to thank Aberdeen International Airport for listening to the needs of people living with a stoma and taking action. We hope other airports and transport hubs will follow their example.”
Facilities added to the Stoma Friendly Toilet Finder
The upgraded toilets at Aberdeen Airport will also be added to Colostomy UK’s Stoma Friendly Toilet Finder.
This allows people living with a stoma to check whether suitable facilities are available before beginning their journey, helping them plan ahead and travel with greater peace of mind.
About the author
Tom Waite
Founder of Cheap Airport Parking (CheapAirportParking.co.uk)