Changing Places

Changing Places Toilet Facility

Changing Places toilets are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. This provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants with them. This facility is open within the centre opening hours and is located by main corridor, right hand side of vanity area. It is locked but the key can be retrieved from reception and is open to members of the public

Facility Features

Changing Places have a variety of features including:
 
• Bench - Height Adjustable, Adult Sized, Free Standing
• Hoist - Ceiling , Loop , Capacity - 200
• Peninsular Toilet
• Washbasin Height Adjustable
• Non Slip Floor
• Floor Space (sq. m) - 14.8
• Emergency Alarm
• Privacy Screen
• Paper Roll
• Accessible Shower
• Colostomy Shelf
• Unisex
• Signage in the room
• Drop down grab rails
• Wall grab rails
• Large Bin
• Door Width (m) - 1.00
• Ceiling height (m) - 2.40

Who uses Changing Places toilets?

There are over 11 million people with a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability in the UK1. Research has concluded that up to a million disabled users of CP toilets. With ongoing advances in medical science and better healthcare, the number of people who will need a CP toilet is increasing.
 
The range of people who might use CP toilets include:
 
• People with profound and multiple learning disabilities
• People with conditions that may affect their movement, including: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease
• People with head injuries or severe spinal injuries
• People living with stroke
• Older people who require assistance
• Ex-service personnel.
 
People who are unable to transfer independently or have no sitting balance need additional facilities such as a ceiling track hoist to transfer between their wheelchair, the WC and an adult-sized changing bench. Many people with profound and multiple learning disabilities are doubly incontinent and have total dependency on assistants. They need access to facilities where they can be changed with dignity and where assistants are able to use a hoist and other equipment to provide appropriate and safe care.

How is a Changing Places toilet different from an accessible WC?

A standard accessible WC is designed for independent use by an individual. Grabrails (fixed handrails) are located to the side and rear of the WC, aiding self-transfer between a wheelchair and the WC. In some cases, a wheelchair user may be assisted, but there is usually insufficient room for assistants.
 
Standard accessible WC’s are designed to facilitate access by a standard wheelchair but are unlikely to accommodate for example a powered wheelchair, or those fitted with additional head or leg supports. CP toilets also allow assistants to use the toilet without leaving the disabled person unattended.
 
CP toilets are designed for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet. They should be provided in addition to single or gender-neutral toilets, standard accessible toilets and baby change facilities. CP toilets are designed for people who need additional space, equipment and a carer which is not possible within the space of a standard accessible toilet.