At Design Healthcare we offer the complete guidance and service to create your Changing Places Room, from layout’s and CAD plans, to supply and installation of equipment required. We project manage and work closely with yourselves to complete the perfect ‘Changing Places’ facility.

What makes a Changing Places facility ?

Changing Places are fully accessible toilets

Changing Places are designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space and equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently. They must be an extra facility, in addition to the accessible toilets for independent use.

To start, there must be adequate space in a Changing Places: three metres by four metres is the recommended minimum, with a ceiling height of at least 2.4 metres.

Equipment that should be included:

• Changing bench, adult sized (minimum 1800 mm long by 800 mm wide). This should be height adjustable, and can either be freestanding or wall-mounted.
• Hoists providing access between changing bench, basin and toilet. Ideally, ceiling or wall mounted, but a mobile Hoists is acceptable if a track-mounted lifter is not possible.
• Toilet must be a peninsular installation, with at least one metre of clear space on each side. It can be an automatic wash and dry toilet or a standard manual one, and in either case, the seat height should be 480 mm.
• Washbasin, which can be a standard model, or height adjustable. If it can’t be adjusted in height, it should be fitted at between 720 and 740 mm from the floor.
• Curtain or screen to provide privacy for the user and carer(s).
• Non-slip flooring.
• Wide tear-off paper roll in a dispenser close to the changing bench.
• Large waste bin for disposing of pads, etc.
• Grab rails where appropriate to provide necessary support.
• Emergency alarm to summon help if necessary. Make sure that the red cord always hangs loose so that it can be used immediately.

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra facilities to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets (or "disabled toilets") as they have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people who use them.

At Design Healthcare, we are also able to offer a full design, specification and project management service for your complete Changing Places project. This service is provided by a Chartered Surveyor and registered Access Consultant with 15+ years experience in creating accessible and inclusive environments. We appreciate that every project is different and needs a bespoke, tailored solution. We are able to offer this by ensuring close consultation with yourselves throughout the process to ensure that we can deliver an end result which completes your Changing Places project.