An initiative from CKAN to make accessible toilets throughout the county stoma friendly
While there are no exact national statistics, healthcare professionals estimate that approximately 1
in 300 people in Ireland are living with a stoma. This translates to a total of about 40,000
individuals nationwide, with roughly 2,300 to 2,500 new stoma surgeries performed each year. 

What is a stoma?
A stoma is a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows bodily waste (urine or stool) to
exit the body when the normal route is no longer possible. The stoma appears as a small, moist, pink
or red opening on the skin.

An ostomy refers to the surgical procedure that creates the stoma. The term is also commonly used
to describe the overall system including:

• •  The stoma
  •  The collection pouch (bag)
  •  Skin protection devices

Ostomies may be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying condition.

An ostomate is an individual who has undergone surgical construction of an ostomy resulting in a
stoma.

For the thousands of people across Ireland living with a stoma, including many living here in Kildare,
stepping out for a coffee, a meal, or to run errands shouldn’t be a source of stress. Yet, far too often,
a lack of adequate public facilities turns a simple trip out into a nerve-wracking ordeal. That is why
understanding and advocating for stoma-friendly toilets is so important to CKAN.

Stoma-friendly toilets are essential, specially adapted restrooms that allow people living with a
stoma to change their medical appliances safely, hygienically, and with dignity. Standard public
toilets do not meet the needs of people living with a stoma, forcing people to avoid public spaces,
employment, social events and tourism.

 

What Makes a Toilet “Stoma Friendly”?

While standard accessible toilets are helpful, they often lack the specific features required to change
a stoma bag hygienically. A truly stoma-friendly facility goes the extra mile by including:

• • A Shelf for Supplies: A clean, flip-down, or fixed shelf allows users to safely lay out their
    medical supplies and scissors. Without this, ostomates are frequently forced to use
    unsanitary surfaces, like the floor.
  • Disposal Bins in Every Cubicle: Having a dedicated, discreet bin right in the cubicle
    eliminates the embarrassment of carrying used medical products to a general waste bin.
  • Hooks on the Door: Multiple, properly placed clothing hooks give users space to hang their
    jackets, bags, and clothing, keeping personal items off the floor.
  • A Mirror: A full-length mirror is vital, allowing users to see their stoma clearly while changing
    or adjusting their appliance.

 

Why Support and Signage Matter
A major challenge for people with stomas is the hostility they can sometimes face when using
accessible or disabled toilets. Because a stoma is an “invisible” condition, onlookers may incorrectly
assume the person doesn’t need to use these larger facilities.
To combat this, venues are encouraged to display “Not all disabilities are visible” signage along with
official stoma-friendly stickers, which immediately validates the user’s right to the space.

 

Why Public Support is Vital
Many people with a stoma face unfair confrontation when using accessible toilets because their
condition is not visible. By understanding and supporting stoma-friendly spaces, you help eliminate
the stigma and isolation that many ostomates experience daily. Accessible restrooms are not only
for wheelchair users; they are for anyone with a medical need that standard cubicles cannot
accommodate.

 

How You Can Take Action and Support this Initiative Today

• • Look for the Signs: Respect accessible toilet signs that show hidden disabilities are welcome.
    Kildare Library Services are working with CKAN to make their libraries stoma friendly.
  • Advocate Locally: Ask your workplace, favourite restaurants, or local businesses if they
    would consider installing or have stoma-friendly facilities. This is a low cost high impact
    retrofit.
  • Spread the Word and be Stoma Aware: Share information about stoma care with friends
    and family to break down the social taboos around bowel and bladder conditions.

 

Why this matters

✔ Protects dignity & privacy
✔ Enables community participation
✔ Reduces healthcare complications
✔ Supports employment & tourism
✔ Aligns with disability legislation
✔ Supports Age Friendly & Healthy Ireland goals