30 November 2022

Going to the toilet may not be something you think about very often, but for thousands of people with profound learning disabilities or severely limited mobility - and their carers - it can be a real worry.

This week, Frimley Park Hospital opened its very own Changing Places toilet for patients and visitors to use. People who use Changing Places toilets are likely to have their own radar key to access the facility, but those who don’t may borrow a key from security.

There is also dedicated disabled parking space, adjacent to the toilet, for those wishing to use the facilities. 

Learning disability liaison nurses Emily Francis and Natasha Mullender have been instrumental in the project, which was funded via a local authority grant.

Emily said: “With a hoist and a changing bench, individuals and their carers now have access to the support and facilities they need. It has a shower and a movable toilet and sink to ensure that it is as practical as possible for all, and there is more room for manoeuvre as it’s roughly the size of a car parking space.

“We’re very excited to get this open so our patients and individuals are able to attend to their personal care with dignity when they are out and about.”

Lorna Wilkinson, Frimley Health’s Chief of Nursing and Midwifery, who opened the facility, said: “This will make a big difference to so many. Patients can feel confident that we have the right facilities for them when they visit, which is a weight off their mind.”

Two of Frimley Health’s three main hospital sites now have Changes Places toilets - one is already in use at the new Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot. A similar facility is being planned at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough.

Ian Penfold, from Frimley Park’s Disabled Patient and Carers Forum, said: “From today we can now offer patients and the local community accessible toilet facilities, whatever their needs. Well done to everyone involved.”

For more information on Changing Places and locations of other facilities in the area, visit www.changing-places.org/