Changing Places toilets
Wednesday, 15, Jul 2009 12:00
Dr Hywel Francis MP joined Mencap and the 11 times Paralympic gold medallist Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to call for an increase in the number of Changing Places toilets available in the UK.
Dr Francis said
‘We all take for granted being able to go out regularly to the shops or to our local leisure centre and yet there are nearly a quarter of a million people whose lives are severely restricted by not having the right toilet facilities.’
Changing Places toilets have enough space for the person with a disability and their carers, and the right equipment which includes an adult sized height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist. Without them people who need support from one or two carers either have to stay at home or their family carers have to resort to changing them on dirty toilet floors.’
Dr Francis added,
‘It is certainly dangerous, unhygienic and undignified for anyone to have to be changed on toilet floors and this is why I am supporting Mencap’s calls for a change to the Building Regulations so we can ensure the building of more Changing Places toilets.’
To find the location of your nearest Changing Places toilet go to www.changing-places.org/where