The supermarket says it has become the first to meet “The Bog Standard” guidelines, designed to improve support for men with incontinence after prostate cancer treatment
Morrisons has become the first supermarket chain to implement a new toilet rule across all its hundreds of UK stores. The retailer, which operates just under 500 stores nationwide, has announced the installation of male sanitary bins in customer toilets across all its supermarkets.
In doing so, it claims to be the first supermarket to adhere to “The Bog Standard” guidelines, developed by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK to educate organisations on providing essential support for men with incontinence, including many who have undergone life-saving prostate cancer treatment.
Morrisons says the rollout was driven by customer feedback, “alongside its broader commitment to continuously improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers”.
Earlier this year, in March, it introduced stoma-friendly toilets across all its supermarkets, as well as new NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help more people identify potential cancer symptoms as early as possible – both initiatives were reportedly supermarket firsts.
Prior to that, the brand also launched Sensory Support Boxes, developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society, in stores to enhance the shopping experience for those with autism. Morrisons states that one in eight men will get prostate cancer, and the risk doubles to one in four if you’re Black.
However, early detection is crucial as it can be treatable. As many as 60% of men who undergo a radical prostatectomy [the surgical removal of the entire prostate and the prostate cancer cells within it] may suffer from urinary incontinence, reports the Express.
Yet Morrisons highlights that suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain scarce, preventing men from participating in everyday activities.
The initiative does not extend to its convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Dailys are equipped with toilets.
David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, stated: “We are proud to be the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard guidelines in every one of our stores.
“By listening to our customers and working closely with both organisations, we recognise the challenges many men face when living with incontinence.
“Providing appropriate facilities across all Morrisons stores is an important step in helping customers feel more confident and supported when out and about, while also improving access to suitable facilities nationwide.”
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos. It’s causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going out, heading to work or even doing the things they love.
“Morrisons is making its stores more welcoming and accessible for every employee/customer and hope other companies will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they’re using toilets in public spaces.”
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