King George Hospital has been boosted by the unveiling of an accredited Changing Places facility, which will ensure disabled patients have the equipment and space they need to use toilets safely and with dignity.

Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets for people with significant disabilities. Our new facility has several features including a mobile hoist, a freestanding shower trolley, privacy and shower curtains, accessible showers, and wall grab rails.

At our official opening on 7 December, our Chief Executive Matthew Trainer, Chief Nurse Kathryn Halford, patients and partners gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Matthew Trainer said: “I’m really pleased to see our fantastic new Changing Places facility.

“Almost one in five people in the UK have a disability and when you consider the boroughs we serve, around 150,000 of our residents have a disability of some kind. It’s crucial they receive the appropriate care in the right circumstances and with dignity.”

We were also joined at the opening by patients who will use the new facility. John Watson, who cares for his son Michael, explained why Changing Places are so important:

“Changing Places are not a ‘nice to have’, we revolve our day around these facilities and have to plan ahead because we need to use them.

“It’s great to see one introduced at King George Hospital and I’m very happy with the facilities. It is a very good step forward and will be used by a lot of people.”

Kathryn Halford, Chief Nurse added: “One of the first things I wanted to introduce when I arrived at the Trust were Changing Places facilities at our hospitals and I’m delighted we now have one at both Queen’s and King George.

“Our accredited facility at King George is fantastic and will make a big difference to so many people. We are incredibly proud of the facilities at both hospitals, and I want to say thank you to our staff, partners and patients involved in helping us get here.”

Patients can access our Changing Places facilities at Queen’s and King George in the main atriums at both hospitals.