Council adopts innovative approach to delivering accessibility for all
A ‘one stop shop’ to improve access to Council services is ensuring suitability for, and usability by, all town residents by inclusion of innovative facilities…. Hull City Council is executing a programme of cost-cutting, whilst optimising steps to minimise impact on services. As a result, it has redeveloped existing buildings to create the new Wilson Centre (named after the famous local shipping company), bringing more than 130 Council services under one roof. And to optimise accessibility for as many residents as possible, the Centre includes a ‘Changing Places’ toilet, supplied by Total Hygiene Ltd.
The toilet is a specially-equipped facility for use by people who need the help of at least one carer. Larger than a conventional accessible toilet, it includes a height adjustable changing bench, and ceiling hoist. In addition to the standard equipment, the Wilson Centre’s toilet also incorporates a Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet with support arms, which, with its integral douche and drier, eliminates the need to manually wipe clean after toileting. As a result, people who need the help of at least one carer can ‘go to the toilet’ in a suitable, hygienic environment, and with as much dignity and independence as possible.
Councillor Mike Ross, Portfolio Holder for Customer & Neighbourhood Services, explains, “The new Customer Service Centre is part of a wider buildings rationalisation programme, reducing the number of buildings we use by over a third. This will reduce leases and
associated operating costs meaning longer term savings. However, we wanted to compromise as little as possible on the quality of service we provide, it’s all about putting the customer first and brining services together so we can resolve people’s queries as quickly as possible, in one visit.
“Alongside that, we acknowledge that people do need to go to the toilet when away from home. We have a duty to provide toilet facilities within any public building, and felt it ‘best practice’ under latest British Standards to include a ‘Changing Places’ facility, with a Clos-o-Mat, as part of that, so we can
enable as many people as possible to live a ‘normal’ life and use our facilities.” ‘Changing Places’ toilets have been developed by the ‘Changing Places Changing Lives’ consortium, to enable people with a disability to ‘go to the toilet’ in a clean and safe environment when out. Research shows that thousands of people feel trapped in their own homes by lack of appropriate toilets in public locations. To date, the campaign – sponsored by Total Hygiene (Clos-o-Mat) – has seen over 240 ‘Changing Places’ toilets installed across the UK. Tel: 0161 969 1199 Freefone 0800 374076; Email:
info@clos-o-mat.com
Douglas Delabie grabs hygienic accessories for public/commercial places
Douglas Delabie, the supplier of thermostatic control solutions and accessories for the commercial market, has introduced under its Sogeprove banner, a new specialist range of grab bars and grab/support rails and shower seats for public and commercial places.
Options include a range of Doc M solutions, which will be supplied without sanitary-ware, enabling simplification of the specification and procurement process.
Commercial director Bob Purdom says: “Robust and vandal-proof these low-maintenance stainless steel – with satin polished finish or white/colour epoxy coating – accessories ensure high standards of hygiene for toilets, showers and bathrooms in public and commercial applications.” Further Douglas Delabie information available on: 01491 824449 or visit
www.douglasdelabie.co.uk
12 feature :: facilities for the disabled/dda Building & Facilities Management – March 2011
Facilities for the Disabled/DDA
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