Astor-Bannerman have created a modern hi tech Changing Places facility to make Hospitals more accessible for all which will stand the test of time.
With many Changing Places users often visiting hospitals for consultations
and treatment across the country, it’s important to have access to facilities which they are familiar with or have within their homes. So at a place where care is key, wouldn’t it be great if more hospitals had Changing Places?
Sheffield Northern General Hospital have done just that and taken steps to ensure they can adequately provide the facilities and equipment needed for all their visitors and patients who require additional changing, washing and toileting assistance by calling upon Astor-Bannerman to assist with their new Changing Places facility.
The time frame for the project was extremely short, but as the client came straight to us as the manufacturers we were able to work together to complete the project in accordance with their schedule.
After an initial site visit by an Astor-Bannerman specialist to ensure the proposed space for the new accessible Changing Places facility would be suitable, a detailed technical CAD drawing to show the proposed room and equipment layout was drawn up and approved. This was followed by a quotation for the Multicare mobile shower trolley and ABW6 adjustable height wash basin for additional accessibility which was accepted and manufactured to suit.
Standard wheelchair accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all disabled people or their carers and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities as well as other serious impairments such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury, often need these extra facilities to allow them to use toilets comfortably…
…Something many of us take for granted.
Although a height adjustable wash basin is not a defining factor of Changing Places facilities, it is a preferred item to ensure the maximum level of care.
There are many unique aspects of the Astor-Bannerman ABW6 wash basin which stand it out from competitors. For example, a high quality unique ‘Corian’ material is used for durability and is the material of choice for architects and designers specialising in healthcare. The basin includes a large mirror which adjusts in height with the basin at all times.
The ABW basin was first introduced in 1994 specifically for people with Muscular Dystrophy and incorporates a wide basin surround, large lever taps and shaver/toothbrush socket making it the perfect basin for wheelchair users who may need extra assistance or bearing of weight when using taps.
As a shower was to be incorporated into the Changing 
Places facility, the 2 meter long mobile Multicare Shower and Treatment Trolley which is hydraulically operated with a foot pedal was chosen.
The benefit being that there is no concern regarding battery charging and therefore will be ready for use 24/7. The addition of a waterproof wedge pillow was also chosen for extra comfort.
Changing Places are life changing facilities for many thousands of people by providing sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants.
If you would like any more information on any of our equipment or free services available, or if you are considering installing a Changing Places toilet, contact us today to speak to one of the team.
