Zach extends toilet crusade to hospitals
STUART PIKE
ACAMPAIGNER has hailed another victory in his battle for Changing Places toilet facilities.
Zack Kerr, of Oswaldtwistle, began fighting for adequate disabled facilities at motorway service stations, but having successfully argued his case and helped get government action, has focused on going further.
Ten hospitals have received a share of more than £500,000 in government funding - with more available to bid for - to install state-of-the-art specialist toilet facilities.
Among them is Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - which Zack, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, frequently uses.
Zack told Granada Reports: “I first campaigned for Changing Places toilet facilities at all UK motorway service stations but, like many other campaigners, it has always been important to me that we see Changing Places installed in all large public buildings, including hospitals. [The] announcement is great news, but many people are surprised that hospitals don’t already have toilet facilities which are accessible to everyone. I am really pleased that the government has taken this matter seriously and started to respond to the needs of disabled people.”
Zack, of Kiln House Way, added: “Many of my regular appointments take place at the Royal Preston Hospital, so I am very pleased that they have secured some funding to install a facility there. But this is not enough.
“I am disappointed that more hospitals have not taken advantage of this funding yet. I understand that nearly £1.5m of funding is still available. I sometimes have to visit Burnley, Blackburn and Accrington Victoria Hospitals and none of these have a Changing Places facility.”
The accessible facilities mean that people living with severe disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, can attend hospital appointments without worrying about toilet facilities available. In the absence of Changing Places facilities, disabled people and their carers must adapt and plan carefully around hospital visits. Patients may need to limit what they drink, which puts them at risk of dehydration and urinary tract infections. Carers must lift patients out of wheelchairs or even change a patient or loved one on the floor.
In a statement, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “The Changing Places toilets feature additional equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently, including adult-sized changing benches and hoists.”
Sarah Cullen, Nursing, Midwifery and AHP Director, said: “We hope this funding means our patients have the best possible experience with us, and that they can use our facilities safely and with dignity.”
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust told the Observer there was “scope to consider an application to the Department of Health and Social Care for funding.
James Maguire, divisional director for estates and facilities, said: “The Trust is an inclusive public service provider and our hospitals have the recommended ratio of toilet and parking facilities for the number of people with disabilities who attend our sites. We are able to support inpatient’s needs for specialist toilet facilities on our wards.
Our staff are also able to accommodate any patients requiring such assistance while attending a clinical appointment.”