To mark the recent International Day for Disabled Persons the Trust has launched its first Changing Places facility in Nightingale House at Whiston Hospital.
Changing Places facilities provide suitable provision for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets such as those with an acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida or motor neurone disease.
A Changing Places facility provides a number of unique features compared to a standard accessible toilet, including a height adjustable adult sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist system, a centrally located peninsula toilet, and shower facilities.
Dyan Clegg, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The opening of our first Changing Places facility marks an important step in the continuation of our vision to ensure all of our disabled employees and visitors have access to the facilities that they need, ensuring dignity, accessibility and inclusivity.
“The Changing Places facility is a public facility open to all visitors and employees. It is available from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday and can be accessed by anyone with a RADAR Key.’’
Max Charlesworth, Assistant Estates & Facilities Performance Manager, said: “Bringing the first Changing Places facility to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team.
“This project’s success lies in the collaboration, careful planning, and attention to detail that ensured every element met the highest standards of accessibility and usability. Seeing it completed and knowing the difference it will make in people’s lives is a proud moment for everyone involved.’’
Further information about Changing Places and where they are available locally and regionally can be found on the Changing Places Consortium.