‘Changing Places’ facility now available at Antrim Area Hospital

The Northern Trust is asking anyone who may wish to use a Changing Places facility at Antrim Area Hospital to register with them as the facility is now available.

Changing Places facilities have been designed to meet the needs of people with a disability to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably. They are helpful for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and who require the assistance of a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

Changing Places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets (or “disabled toilets”) as they have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people who use them.

The new and fully equipped facility has been built at the hospital through funding from the Department of Health. It includes a tracking hoist system, height adjustable adult size changing bench and additional space to accommodate carers.

It will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to anyone who needs to use it provided they have first registered with the Trust.

The Trust would like to ask people to register with the Equality Unit so they can provide the information and training about how to access and use the facility. Anyone interested should call 028 2766 1377, 07825 667154, fax 028 2766 1209 or email equality.unit@northerntrust.hscni.net.

The Trust is also working to put in place arrangements for the Changing Places facility in Ballymena Health and Care Centre. The Trust expects this to become operational in the new few weeks and users will be asked to register for this facility at that time.

27th September 2016