Leading health charities have highlighted toilet passes which may help people with bowel and bladder conditions, after an Angus woman was refused toilet access at Boots.
Local people expressed shock at the pharmacy’s decision and support for Lynda Morrison, who has a stoma bag, when we told her story.
Lynda was in Carnoustie’s Dundee Street branch when she urgently needed the toilet, realising her stoma bag, which collects body waste, was in danger of leaking.
Her requests were refused.
Lynda was left upset and angry after her stoma bag burst on to her clothing and car when she left the store.
Comments on The Courier’s Facebook page branded the decision ‘appalling’ and ‘disgraceful’ while others praised Lynda for speaking out.
A Boots spokesperson apologised for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused.
Challenges
Colostomy UK and Crohn’s & Colitis UK – charities supporting those living with a stoma and people with bowel conditions – often hear of these challenges.
Giovanni Cinque, Colostomy UK’s fundraising and campaigns manager says: “Stories like Lynda’s are still far too common.
“We hear of similar experiences everywhere from shops on the high street, to entertainment venues, airports, and places of work too.
Stoma Aware can’t wait card
“The situation Lynda faced could have a huge impact on people’s self confidence. And make them think twice about doing everyday things most of us take for granted.
Giovanni continues: “While general awareness of stomas is improving, there’s still a lack of knowledge and understanding.
“Both why people need stoma surgery and the impact living with a stoma can have on day to day life.”
Now Colostomy UK plans to help people with stomas gain easy access to toilets by launching a Stoma Aware can’t wait card.
“The card makes it easier for people to ask to use toilets in shops, restaurants, and other buildings,” says Giovanni.
“Without having to give a long explanation about their condition.
“There are several cards available at the moment. People with stomas can access them free of charge via their stoma nurse or company that manages their prescription.
“However we hope having one universal standard card for people with stomas, will increase awareness.
“And lead to situations like Lynda’s becoming much less frequent.”
Crohn’s & colitis ‘Can’t wait’ card
Crohn’s & Colitis UK also developed a ‘Can’t wait’ card after their members expressed concern about incontinence.
Their spokesperson says: “For many people with Crohn’s or colitis, the sudden and uncontrollable need to use a toilet is a genuine and recognised symptom of their condition.
“The experience or fear of faecal incontinence is very undermining to a person’s confidence and self esteem.
“Having an ‘accident’ in public can have a devastating effect on their ability to undertake everyday activities such as going to work, shopping and socialising.
‘Invisible conditions’
“The Crohn’s & Colitis UK ‘Can’t wait’ card explains our member has a medical condition which is not infectious and means they need to use toilet facilities urgently,” the spokesperson continues.
“Although no guarantee, it can be helpful when members suddenly need a toilet and are not near a public facility. The cards are widely accepted and acknowledged.
“We hope that in the future staff members will be more sensitive to members of the public with ‘invisible’ conditions.”
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For further support and information see Colostomy UK and Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
Conversation