A new, fully accessible Changing Places Toilet has been installed at Harefield Hospital for patients, visitors and staff.
The Changing Places toilet is the first of its kind to be installed at Harefield Hospital, and is Harefield village’s first.
Astor Bannerman supplied equipment for the room, including a height adjustable washbasin, and the Astor Invincible changing table, which has been specially designed for public, high-use, Changing Places Toilets.
The Changing Places toilet is located next to Harefield Hospital’s restaurant, The Hungry Hare, opposite the main hospital entrance, and is open from 8am to 6pm every day, 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.”
It is thought that more than a quarter of a million people across the UK depend on Changing Places toilets.
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.”
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. We are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.