What are Changing Places Toilets?

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. 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 basin with optional shower and 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.

Why do we need Changing Places Toilets in Ireland?

According to the most recent Census in 2022, a total of 1,109,557 people reported experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty to any extent, accounting for 22% of the Irish population.  (www.cso.ie) 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. According to research carried out by the National Disability Authority between 17,100 to 37,700 or 1 in 291 to 1 in 132 people in Ireland are estimated to be potential users of Changing Places Toilets. 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.

Changing Places Ireland Criteria – Equipment for Accessible Bathrooms

A Changing Place toilet is an accessible sanitary facility with a toilet, hoist, basin, adult-sized changing bench and optional shower with adequate space for use by persons with a range of abilities who may require assistance. ( Technical Guidance Document M, 2022). Key elements of a Changing Places Toilet are

  • 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
  • Washbasin

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.

Changing Places Facilities – Benefits for All

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 , 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 2,500 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.

What are the National Building Regulations Requirements for Changing Place Toilets in Ireland ?

From the 1st of January 2024, subject to transitional arrangements, the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022 require Changing Places Toilets to be provided in certain buildings, having regard to their use and size. The Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets will complement implementation of the building regulations by providing additional guidance on good practice.

The Building Regulations Part M says the least that should be done by law to provide Changing Places Toilets in certain buildings. This is called
the minimum requirements. There is a guidance document to go with the Building Regulations. This is called the Part M Technical Guidance Document 2022. This was also changed. The Part M Technical Guidance Document says that people designing and putting up buildings should think about Universal Design. Universal Design is about following the law and doing more to make buildings accessible including but not imited to the provision of Changing Places Toilets.

What is Universal design?

Universal Design says that all buildings and places should be accessible. Accessible means that they are designed so everyone can use them easily. It should not matter about your age, size, ability, or disability. If an environment is accessible and a pleasure to use, everyone benefits. Universal Design creates products, services, and environments that meet peoples’ needs. Simply put, Universal Design is good design.

Why choose MMS Medical to install a Changing Places facility?

Experience

MMS Medical has over 30 years experience in the planning, 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. MMS Medical has installed a number of Changing Places Toilets in Ireland

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.

To arrange a project consultation with Our Changing Places Team please contact us on 021 4618000 or email info@mmsmedical.ie

MMS Medical Changing Places Installations

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