Tory toilet protest

An opportunity to provide advanced disabled toilets at the new centre has been missed, say Tories.

The new centre will provide a wide range of services including physiotherapy, podiatry and counselling and could include services to support people with long-term conditions.

It will have facilities for the existing GP practice and accommodation for a range of visiting outpatient services plus antenatal and child health clinics.

Around £200,000 is being spent on new equipment, furniture and fittings.

But the Tories are disappointed that the opportunity has not been taken to install a Changing Places toilet.

In May there were only two Changing Places locations in the Stirling area: one at Blairdrummond Safari Park and another at the MacRobert Arts Centre.

The toilets cost £12-£15,000 and feature more space and equipment such as a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

Earlier this year Stirling Council pledged to improve facilities at The Peak leisure centre and look at other areas where the toilets might be provided.

Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl said: “I believe it is huge mistake that the NHS are not locating a Changing Places facility in the new health centre.

“There’s always lots of fine words about having joined-up thinking but when push comes to shove everyone protects their own budgets – same old story, I am afraid.”

A spokesperson for NHS Forth Valley said: “The new Doune Health Centre meets all relevant accessibility standards, including the provision of toilets for disabled patients.

“The disabled access panel have also been consulted on the design and layout.

“There have never been any plans to install a Changing Places facility in the centre and it would not be possible to incorporate one at this late stage without a redesign which would incur costs and delays.”