Changing Places facilities are different to standard disabled or accessible toilets. Changing Places facilities provide a larger space and must have a minimum floor area of 12m2 (3m x 4m) with a ceiling height of 2.4m in order to meet the criteria for registration as a Changing Place facility in Ireland. Changing Places include specialist equipment such as a full room coverage ceiling hoist system, a height-adjustable adult sized changing bench, centrally located toilet to allow for assistance or transfer on both sides and a privacy screen. Changing Places facilities are life changing and designed to support the disabled community and provide access to public toilet facilities that meet the more complex needs. Without these types of facilities, carers are forced to change loved ones on the floor or not venture to public places at all due to lack of adequate facilities. For more information on the Changing Places Campaign visit https://changingplaces.ie/

13.5% of the Irish Population has a disability (www.cso.ie) and while many accessible toilets meet their needs there is a large proportion of people and their carers who cannot visit public places due to the lack of suitable toilet facilities. The Changing Places campaign in Ireland is highlighting the need for more of these types of facilities to allow families, friends and carers take part in activities and visit places such as a zoo, libraries, swimming pools, shopping centres and sporting arenas most of us take for granted. https://www.rte.ie/news/newslens/2018/0216/941262-toilets-public-changing-places/

At present there are only seven registered facilities in Ireland. See https://changingplaces.ie/find-changing-places/

Changing Places must meet a range of criteria in order to qualify for registration. This is achieved through a self-assessment process at www.changingplaces.ie. Registered Changing Places will receive signage for the facility and will be listed on the Changing Places Ireland map. At present there are only seven registered facilities in Ireland. See https://changingplaces.ie/find-changing-places/

  • Floor Area must be a minimum of 12m2 (3m x 4m ) with a ceiling height of 2.4m
  • Full Room coverage ceiling track hoist system
  • Height-Adjustable, Adult Sized Changing Bench
  • Centrally located toilet with sufficient space both sides for assistants/ transfer
  • Privacy Screen
  • Wide Paper Roll
  • Large Waste Disposal Bin
  • Washbasin

Toilet/ Changing facilities which do not meet all the Changing Places Criteria may be listed as Step-Down facilities. See www.changingplaces.ie for details.

Mobile or Modular Changing Places facilities may also be a consideration where internal adaptation may be more difficult. These quick-build modular solutions ensure the optimal space and layout is achieved and can minimise disruption to existing or older buildings. These stand alone facilities are highly visible and are suitable for temporary or long term usage.

A Changing Places toilet facility aims to meet the needs of those people in our towns and cities who require extra care and assistance. Providing publicly available Changing Places locations in our museums, universities (Trinity College Dublin is the only university with a registered Changing Places facility), transport hubs & airports (Dublin is the only Irish airport at present with a Changing Place facility), shopping centres, sports arenas and tourist attractions offers a vital-life line to those with disabilities and their carers and families. These crucial facilities offer the opportunity for the disabled community to travel, shop, visit new areas of interest and attend concerts. These facilities can also unlock a new customer base for venues. The Changing Places Campaign in the UK now has over 1,000 registered facilities and is increasing annually. Case Studies of venues where Changing Places facilities have been installed have shown increasing numbers of guests with disabilities with an increase in accompanying revenue.

Experience

MMS Medical has over 30 years experience in the survey and installation of assisted bathrooms & toilets, ceiling hoists and changing benches in a wide range of facilities across the country. We provide specialist advice, on-site appraisal, specifications & product recommendations through to full installation of specialist bathing, toileting and patient transfer equipment for architects, builders, developers, local authorities, case managers, facilities managers and property managers. We have carried out installations in schools, colleges, universities, care homes, commercial buildings, sports complexes and private homes. The Changing Places Campaign is aimed at delivering more of these types of facilities in public places.

Turn-key Supplier

MMS Medical offers a full turn-key solution for your Changing Place facility providing you with one supplier to meet all your equipment and installation requirements. MMS Medical is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of mobility products in Ireland and we are well positioned to balance the technical specifications of these facilities with the actual users needs and requirements. Our experienced team have the knowledge and skills to take the project from start to finish. We have a range of support material available to assist you:- a Changing Places Installation Guide, an Architects Guide, Product Specifications, Changing Places Example Designs and Layout Recommendations. To obtain a copy of any of our guides please email us at info@mmsmedical.ie  or call 021  461 8000

Contact MMS Medical

If you would like to discuss a Changing Places project or want MMS Medical to carry out an on-site, free of charge appraisal please email us your information at info@mmsmedical.ie or complete the contact us page on this site. Our customer service team is on-hand Monday to Friday to assist with your enquiries on 021  461 8000

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