A Changing Places toilet was opened at London Euston station last week, improving the accessibility of one of the busiest train stations in the UK.
Astor Bannerman equipment was used in the facility, which has been installed as part of Network Rail’s programme of accessibility improvements. They hope the investment will give those with profound and multiple disabilities, their carers, assistants and families the confidence to travel through Euston station.
The Astor Bannerman team worked with construction company Spence Ltd and the Euston Station team to put together a plan and design to suit the busy station and the needs of visitors. The design meets Changing Places specification requirements and includes:
- The Astor CTX height adjustable changing table
- The Astor OT200 ceiling mounted hoist
- The Astor ABW6 height adjustable wash basin
- A centrally placed toilet with space either side
- An emergency alarm
- Accessories such as grab rails, a colostomy bag shelf and a soap dispenser
When announcing the opening last week, Loraine Martins, Network Rail’s director of diversity and inclusion, said:
‘It is extremely important that we do all we can to ensure our facilities are as accessible as possible, for all our passengers, and I’m delighted that this Changing Places facility is now open. We want to offer the best possible experience for anyone who travels through Euston station, and this is an important step forward in making the rail network more accessible and inclusive for everyone.’
Karen Hoe, Changing Places manager for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium, said:
‘We’re thrilled that London Euston has opened a Changing Places toilet today, and this will make travel more accessible for people with severe disabilities, including those living with muscle-wasting conditions. It’s a basic human right that everyone should be able to use a toilet that is appropriate for their needs with safety and dignity, and Changing Places toilets are a lifeline for the 250,000 people across the UK who rely on them. We encourage more train stations to install a Changing Places toilet to help tackle the exclusion that so many disabled people face on a daily basis. Doing so would help make the travel experience more inclusive for people who rely on these toilets.’
Passengers can ask a member of staff to get access to the Changing Places room or use the contact information posted outside the toilet entrance.
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman, based in the UK, are the only manufacturer of the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including wall mounted and mobile changing tables, ceiling hoists and height adjustable washbasins. As product designers, we are innovative and forward thinking, continually seeking to improve and develop new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible [link], the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets. We offer a full project management service to assist all aspects of a Changing Places project from design through to installation and launch. Please contact us for design, specification and project management support.
ABOUT AVESO
Aveso have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013 as sponsors, and they are passionate about growing awareness of Changing Places Toilets, and the number of installations. Aveso provide free, expert advice on all aspects Changing Places requirements, and also offer free CPD sessions covering legislation, requirements and specifications, planning and design. Please contact Aveso for support on a Changing Places Project.