Astor Bannerman installs accessible Changing Places toilet at West London hospital
Disability equipment supplier Astor Bannerman has supplied equipment to install a new fully accessible Changing Places toilet at Harefield Hospital in Hillingdon, West London, for patients, visitors and staff.
Astor Bannerman supplied equipment including a height adjustable washbasin, and the Astor Invincible changing table, which is specially designed for public, high-use toilets.
The Changing Places toilet is the first of its kind to be installed at the hospital and is Harefield village’s first.
The Changing Places toilet is located next to Harefield Hospital’s restaurant, The Hungry Hare, opposite the main hospital entrance. It is open from 8am to 6pm daily, allowing access for anyone visiting, staying at, or working in the hospital.
Ras Kahai, cardiorespiratory dietitian, and Katharine Scott, lead for older people and physical disabilities, spearheaded the initiative, as part of their work leading the hospitals’ disability and wellness network (DAWN).
Ras said: “Having a Changing Places toilet on site is a significant step towards ensuring we meet the needs of people with complex care needs.
“As a wheelchair user, having access to sufficient space and appropriate facilities is tantamount to knowing that I, and many others, have a clean, suitable and safe space which supports our mobility rather than reduces it.”
According to Changing Places, over a quarter of a million people in the UK need Changing Places toilets (CPT) to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities, which many of us take for granted.
To use a toilet in safety and comfort, some people need to be able to access a CPT, which has more space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench, a peninsular toilet and a celling hoist.
Katharine commented: “Imagine having to base your plans around whether or not there will be a suitable toilet for you to use.
“For people needing purpose-built facilities, including many who come onto our sites, this is the decision they face every day, so we are proud they can come to our hospitals knowing they’ll be able go to the toilet with dignity and freedom.”
Recently, Innova Care Concepts helped the Greater London Authority (GLA) take steps to enhance accessibility at City Hall by installing a brand new Changing Places toilet.
