Clos-o-Mat plays part in improving patient quality of care
Improving the quality of patient care is being taken to new dimensions in Cheshire, as a result of commitment by local campaigners and the privacy & dignity team.
The new dimension is installation of a Changing Places assisted accessible toilet at Leighton Hospital, in the link corridor between the Outpatients Department and the main entrance, for anyone using the establishment who needs the help of a carer when going to the toilet.
With more space for manoeuvrability than a conventional wheelchair-accessible WC, a Changing Places toilet also has as standard a hoist, adult-sized height adjustable changing table, and privacy screen. Supplied and installed by Clos-o-Mat, the Changing Places toilet at Leighton Hospital also features a Palma Vita automatic shower (wash and dry) toilet, in place of a conventional WC, to further improve hygiene by eliminating the need for the user or carer to wipe clean with toilet tissue.
The hospital is the first in the county, and one of only 12 in the whole country (out of over 2000) that has such a facility.
Phil Pordes, Dignity Matron at MCHFT explains: “Changing Places facilities are different to standard disabled toilets as they have extra features and more space to meet the needs of those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Standard accessible toilets tend not to provide things such as changing benches or hoists, and most are too small to accommodate a helper where they are needed. Without Changing Places facilities, the person with the disability can be put at risk as their carers are often forced to change them in inappropriate places, which can be both undignified and challenging. I am therefore thrilled that we’ve been able to bring these fantastic facilities here.”
Dennis Dunn, MCHFT Chairman added: “I am delighted that this new facility is now officially open at Leighton Hospital as it will bring numerous benefits to our patients, their carers and visitors. The installation of this unit would not have been possible without the generous fundraising we’ve received for this project. On behalf of the Trust I would like to thank everybody who has made this possible.”
Over 600 Changing Places toilets are now open across the UK, the majority of which have been supplied by Clos-o-Mat. The company is unique in being able to offer, in-house, design advice, supply, install, commissioning and ongoing service/maintenance, backed up by in-house project management of a Changing Places toilet or hygiene room.
Clos-o-Mat has used its expertise in the field to produce a white paper on Changing Places toilet provision in general, and specifically the healthcare sector, both of which are available for download on its website www.clos-o-mat.com
Ends
Clos-o-Mat
Tel 0161 969 1199
Web: http://www.clos-o-mat.com
Original of this article here