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Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 16 July 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Stoma Appliances: Public Lavatories

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will establish provisions for people with stomas in public toilets within NHS establishments.

Answer

National Health Service organisations make decisions locally on the provision of toilets within their facilities, including provisions in toilets for people with stomas.

National guidance is provided to the NHS on designing sanitary spaces in healthcare settings, including toilets for patients, visitors, and staff. Health Building Note (HBN) 00-02: Sanitary Spaces details layouts for independent wheelchair/semi ambulant toilets which incorporate a shelf adjacent to the toilet for the emptying of urine bottles/colostomy bags.

Over this Spending Review period, we are backing local NHS organisations with £21 billion in operation capital funding, which they can allocate to their priorities, such as ensuring the provision of appropriate public toilets.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17619
Session
2026-27
Subjects
NHS Public lavatories Stoma appliances
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk