The Greater London Authority (GLA) have taken steps to enhance accessibility at City Hall by installing a brand new Changing Places facility.
Open to staff and the public during working hours, the new toilets will be accessible from the main reception area, helping cater for disabled employees and visitors with complex care needs who require carer support, appropriate equipment, and more space.
Over 250,000 people in the UK require access to a Changing Places facility, as standard accessible toilets are unable to meet their care needs.
People with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
Launched with Muscular Dystrophy UK, the new Changing Places at City Hall meets those care requirements, offering a safe environment for people to use the toilet with dignity.
Installed by Innova
Innova Care Concepts supplied and installed the new Changing Places, including specialist healthcare equipment such as an overhead hoist system, helping to eliminate the need to lift a person manually, reducing the strain on carers’ backs and the risk of injury to the person being transferred.
Today’s announcement is part of Changing Places Awareness Day (19th July), a campaign that focuses on raising more vital awareness of the life changing difference Changing Places toilets make to peoples lives – not just in the UK but around the world.
Quotes
Mary Harpley, Chief Officer, Greater London Authority
“Toilets are a vital public service and can help to shape the experience of the capital for those who live and work here and for those visiting. I am pleased that the new City Hall now has a ‘Changing Places’ toilet available for staff and visitors, improving accessibility for people with a range of complex care needs.”
Karen Hoe OBE, Changing Places Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK
“As co-chair of the Changing Places Toilet Consortium, Muscular Dystrophy UK is thrilled that the new home of City Hall is inclusive to both staff and members of the public. It’s fantastic to see the Greater London Authority’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, as City Hall has moved from its previous venue that also had a Changing Places toilet.”
Derek Oliver, Changing Places Manager, Innova Care Concepts
“It is vital that local authorities acknowledge the need for more Changing Places so it is great to see City Hall setting a great example for others to follow. By including this new facility, the Greater London Authority are not only enhancing accessibility for their staff, they are also helping provide more accessible toilets in East London for the public to use.”
Changing Places
Innova Care Concepts have proudly worked with the Changing Places campaign for over 10 years, working alongside architects, local authorities and business owners to install over 100 Changing Places in public places across the UK.
As one of the leading Changing Place suppliers in the UK, they provide completely bespoke solutions to any building that needs a Changing Place.
Click here to read our Changing Places brochure or complete the contact form below to get in touch with our friendly Changing Places team.