Described as “a new standard of accessibility for changing and toileting” the facility will be open to members of the Ron Short Centre initially, having been paid for with funds raised by the charity.
While accessible changing places including those able to be used by people who need a hoist or the assistance of a carer are mandatory in all large new builds in the UK – Jersey has two, until now there hasn’t been any in public use in Guernsey.
The new facility includes features available in other accessible toilets, but with more space as well as a powered hoist, a height adjustable changing table, a height adjustable toilet and a height adjustable wash basin.
While this one will only be usable during the Ron Short Centre’s Opening Hours to start with, it’s hoped that it can be offered to other members of the public through an access passcode system before the island’s new anti discrimination legislation comes in from October.
Dr Rob Harnish, Managing Director of the Ron Short Centre said the lack of such a facility in Guernsey has restricted the lives of many local people, so this will enable them to attend activities away from home.
“This facility opens up new freedoms for islanders with disabilities,” he said. “Our research shows that for a population our size, there should be at least two. We hope ours will help make the case, and will encourage the building of more Changing Places locally.”
The Chair of UnLtd – which develops the Changing Places Toilet Facility (CPT) – Kelvin Hudson will be at the Ron Short Centre on Tuesday to open the new facility.