The new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has been designed with accessibility in mind. With guidance from Scottish charity PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society), who support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families, it has installed a fully accessible Changing Places toilet with a hoist, tracking system, additional space for two carers and a wheelchair and an adult changing bench.
The Changing Places toilet at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary is now the fourth of its kind in the region. Good news for anyone with a disability who needs to spend time at the hospital, or to stop off and use the facility while en route to another destination.
Gail Robertson, Lead Nurse for the new hospital project said:
“We are delighted to have a Changing Places toilet facility at the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. We realise it is a necessity for patients and visitors who are coming to the hospital to have easy access to such a facility, and also for the general public travelling in the region.
“NHS Dumfries and Galloway welcome anyone requiring such a facility to make use of it.”
Jenny Miller, CEO of the PAMIS organisation said:
“We are delighted that the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary have included this Changing Places toilet as part of their facilities. One of the biggest barriers to our families accessing their communities is a lack of suitable facilities and this is not because people want to exclude them it is because they are unaware of the complexity of need. Hospital trips can be frequent for families and this facility will reduce the stress of a visit enormously.”
The facility is situated in the main atrium of the new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, just beyond the Welcome Desk. NHS D&G staff and NHS D&G volunteers are available to help direct anyone who is unsure about finding it. Anyone wishing to use the facility will be required to bring their personal kit (including towel and sling).
Pictured in the facility at DGRI are Changing Places users Angela Kay and son Dylan Kay with Gail Robertson, Lead Nurse for the new hospital project.
