VIDEO: Innova Care Concepts helps Lloyds become first bank to install accessible toilet facility
Healthcare equipment provider Innova Care Concepts has helped Lloyds Banking Group become the first banking institution to open accessible toilet facilities.
Following investment into its accessible facilities, Lloyds Banking Group opened its first Changing Places toilet in Old Broad Street, London.
Over 250,000 people in the UK require access to a Changing Places toilet, as standard accessible toilets are unable to meet their care needs. Changing Places provide a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for disabled people and carers. Larger than a standard disabled facility, they offer space to manoeuvre a wheelchair, with up to two carers present.
Changing Place supplier, Innova Care Concepts, supplied and installed the new facility, including specialist healthcare equipment such as a height-adjustable changing bench and wash basin, ceiling track with hoist, as well as a privacy screen and shower facilities.
The Changing Place is the first of a planned series of investments in Lloyds Banking Group buildings to make these more inclusive for both their customers and colleagues. The next facility, on Canons Way in Bristol’s Harbourside, is due to open later this year.
Ross Hovey, Accessibility Manager at Lloyds Banking Group commented: “Standard accessible toilets meet the needs for some people – but there are those of us where specialist washrooms with extra space are crucial. I regularly visit our Old Broad Street office in London and having the new Changing Places facility at work is a welcome step towards full inclusivity.
“I have spinal muscular atrophy and use an electric wheelchair, my care team provides the support I need, 24/7. This new facility further enables me and my carers to have access to facilities that help my needs when I am at work.
“The benefits aren’t just related to my working day. Many of us like to have a quick drink with work pals now and again and, for most, where to go to the loo isn’t a factor when deciding whether to have that post work pint.
“Having an adapted washroom gives me the freedom to make last minute decisions to socialise with my work friends, as I’m less anxious about getting back to my adapted home.”
Derek Oliver, Changing Places Manager, Innova Care Concepts: “It has been a pleasure to work with Lloyds Banking Group and Wates Group to deliver the first registered Changing Place in a banking institution.
“This new facility enables Lloyds Banking Group to be more accessible for employees who work in Old Broad Street, London, as well as providing access to a Changing Place for the wider public.
“It is fantastic to see the commitment shown to enhancing accessibility for all and we look forward to seeing more Changing Places installed in the workplace.”
Karen Hoe OBE, Changing Places Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK: “We applaud Lloyds Banking Group commitment to supporting accessibility for both their staff and members of the public in the heart of London’s financial centre, making this important area more accessible for workers who depend on these facilities.
“At the Changing Places Consortium, we have been campaigning for more of these vital facilities nationwide to meet the needs of more than 250,000 people in the UK who are entirely dependent on them for their basic toileting needs once they leave the home.
“Changing Places facility costs upwards of just £20,000, and the impact for the community is invaluable.”
Innova Care Concepts exists to enhance the quality of life of every person living or working in an environment where care is provided. Earlier this year, the firm recently helped Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) make Lord’s Cricket Ground more accessible by installing a new Changing Place.
To learn more about the installation of the Changing Places facility at Lloyds Banking Group, watch the short video below:
