Ceiling Hoist in Changing Room with Changing Table

Moto, the UK’s biggest provider of motorway services, is helping lead the way in the drive for inclusivity, with the opening of the first Changing Places toilet on the motorway network.

The facility has been supplied by the main contractor Galliford Try, at Cherwell Valley Services on the M40 in Oxfordshire, which has been rebuilt following a fire in 2010.

The Changing Places toilet includes a hoist (ceiling hoist) and height adjustable changing bench. Moto has further included a height adjustable washbasin and peninsular Clos-o-Mat Palma ‘wash and dry’ toilet.

More than 300 ceiling hoists, changing tables have been installed across the UK in Changing Places facilities, as specifiers and consumers appreciate the impact they have on life for the thousands of people with severe disabilities. Under latest British Standards, it is ‘good practice’ in any large new build or refurbishment to which the public have access to include a Changing Places facility with ceiling hoist, changing table and WC.

Contact OpeMed for more information.

The question of patient sling and hoist (ceiling hoist or floor hoist) compatibility has long been a topic of debate and the recommendation was that both sling and hoist should be from the same manufacturer.

The difficulty with this stance is that the patient may have a tailor-made sling, which has been designed specifically to accommodate their physical difficulties. To then transfer the patient to a generic sling, in compliance with the above recommendation, could compromise the patient’s condition or actually increase the risk of injury. This may in turn further compromise their health and well being.

BS EN 10535 (the British /European Standard for hoists) (1998) paragraph 5 suggests that compatibility between slings and hoists is clearly the responsibility of the sling manufacturer:

4.5 General requirements for Body Support Units (generic term used in the standard for all slings, stretchers, seats etc suspended from a hoist). The manufacturer of the body support shall indicate which hoist(s) and spreader bar(s) it is compatible with to ensure a safe combination.

It is now extensively recognised that hoist slings can be interchanged with hoists provided both hoist and sling are fully and correctly assessed, inspected and maintained. The spreader bar must be compatible with the sling that is to be used, i.e. loop sling to straight/coat hanger type spreader bar or keyhole/clip type to stud fixing spreader bar.

OpeMed authorise the use of their slings on a select list of hoists and vice-versa.

Contact OpeMed for more information.

The newly installed facility has been designed to meet the needs of passengers who have profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and other passengers with severe disabilities who need the support of at least one carer, providing them with a safe and easy to use facility when travelling through the airport.

Brad Miller, Managing Director East Midlands Airport said: “As part of our commitment to improving the passenger experience at the airport, we continually look at all of the areas in the terminal and the facilities that we provide to make sure they meet our passenger’s needs.

“When the Changing Places consortium approached us to highlight their campaign and explain the benefits of the facility, we were proud to be able to help. They have been instrumental in the development of the facility, advising us throughout. We really admire and respect the work that the Changing Places campaign does and as an airport that caters for millions of passengers with many different needs, it is essential that we work closely with consortiums, such as Changing Places, to deliver a first class facility in our airport.”

The ceremony was attended by the Clough family who are helping the Consortium by campaigning for Changing Places toilets in airports across the UK. Margaret Clough said “This is fantastic and will make such a difference to travelling for our daughter Julie and the rest of the family.” Julie helped Brad Miller cut the ribbon and gave the facility a big “thumbs up”   

Martin Jackaman, Changing Places consortium member, comments: “We are delighted East Midlands Airport has installed a Changing Places toilet, it is fantastic step to making UK airports fully accessible. We hope that many other UK airports will now follow suit and see the importance of having a Changing Places toilet.”

Our R&D goes from strength to strength

OpeMed Range of Products

Ceiling Hoists : The OT200 ceiling hoist is ideal for regular use. As well as the unique auto-charging system, in the unlikely event of an electrical failure our OT200 is the only hoist that doesn’t require the carer to lower with a tool. Portable ceiling hoists also available.

Floor Hoists : The curved design of the OpeMax 500 keeps the patient away from the hoist. It has a powered, manual or loop sling spreader bar, 227kg capacity, high lift and powered opening/closing legs.

Patient Shower Trolley (height adjustable)

Shower Trolleys : Range of paediatric to bariatric patients (400kg). Unique design that overlaps the bed allowing quick and easy transfer on/off the shower trolley.

Height Adjustable Baths: WIth over 12 baths in our range we can provide solutions for small spaces, baths with integrated changing tables, large internal baths for bariatric use, baths with seats or music and lights.

Wall mounted height adjustable changing table

Changing Tables: All made from a rustproof stainless steel frame, with guard options and the choice of a removable mattress. Available as hydraulic or electric versions in 4 different sizes.

Tilt-in-Space Shower Seats: A range of hydraulic tilting showering seats that allow easy and quick transfer and showering.

Tilt-in-space shower chair

Patient Slings : A complete range of clip and loop slings that can be used on OpeMed or competitors hoists.

For more information see www.opemed.net

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Changing Places toilets should provide;

• A changing bench that is height adjustable
• A hoist system on a track, or mobile hoist
• A hi-lo Wash hand Basin
• Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
• A toilet that is placed with enough room on either side for the carers
• Screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer privacy
• A wide roll of tear off paper to cover the bench
• Large waste bin for disposing of pads
• A non-slip floor

OpeMed can help you learn more about the design, layout and cost of Changing Places toilets, provide CAD drawings and advise you on how best to adapt, upgrade and meet the campaign’s targets.

Our installation department are experienced with the smooth running of small and large contracts alike and are well placed to cover any warranty issues that may arise. We can offer a complete turn-key package alongside a local and experienced building company or can simply supply and install the relevant equipment for your needs whilst working alongside any other contractors onsite. Attention to detail is vital. After installation our technicians provide detailed product related training and we can also return to train additional staff if the need arises.