A Changing Places toilet facility for people with complex disabilities has now opened at QEHB.

The Changing Places facility is designed to meet the needs of people with conditions such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis, as well as those with spinal or brain injuries, allowing for greater dignity, safety and comfort. There are now over 1,600 located across the country.

Patients and visitors to the hospital can now use the specialist facility, which is equipped with a hoist, adult-sized height adjustable changing table, shower, sink and toilet, along with space for both the individual and a carer, in safety and comfort.

Tabitha Fung, staff disability network chair, said: “We are pleased that patients, visitors and staff will finally have this excellent Changing Places toilet that enables greater independence, dignity and freedom, much of which those who do not need such a facility may take for granted.

“Without these facilities, many people do not have the independence to go out alone and may instead rely on the assistance of a carer – the continued expansion of Changing Places facilities, here and across the country, are vitally important to people who require more space, who cannot use a standard accessible toilet, or who need additional equipment to use facilities safely.”

Chief Nurse, Lisa Stalley-Green, said: “I am very pleased that we’ve been able to open QEHB’s first Changing Places facility.

“These facilities are incredibly important to our patients, staff and visitors who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet.

“The Changing Places facility provides more space and the right equipment to provide greater independence and dignity, in a safe and comfortable environment.”

The Changing Places facility at QEHB is located to the right of the information desk, past Marks and Spencer, in the main entrance at the hospital. Those who require use of the facility will usually hold their own radar key, however this can also be requested form the Information Desk team.

UHB  opened a Changing Places Facility at Heartlands Hospital in 2018 and there are plans for the facility to also be available in the new ACAD building on the site.

More information about Changing Places is available on their website via the link below.