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Disabled Toilets

Story from nhs.uk

"Disabled Toilets"

About: Manchester Royal Infirmary

I have been visiting a relative who has been in hospital for over 9 weeks now on almost a daily basis. I am disabled and wheelchair bound. I am appalled by the facilities available for people in my position. Disabled toilets are few and far between, and the ones I have found are always locked. Today a nurse asked if she could help whilst I was trying to access one on the first floor near ward 5. I was told there were toilets further down the corridor but I explained I couldn't get in there with my wheelchair. That is why disabled toilets are there because they are larger. I was told they were kept locked as the staff use them! So disabled people cannot use a disabled public toilet as able bodied staff use them for themselves! Why can't they use the ones further down as there is no problem with access for them. It's utterly ridiculous! Something needs to change in this respect. It's a complete disregard for people's needs.

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Responses

Response from Manchester Royal Infirmary nearly 2 years ago
Manchester Royal Infirmary

Submitted on 05/09/2022 at 08:12
Published on nhs.uk at 15:13

Firstly, I would like to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and I would also like to offer you my apologies that you were unable to access the public disabled toilets on the first floor outside Ward 5.

It is Trust policy that disabled toilets are always kept accessible to patients and visitors, however, in cases where this is not possible, appropriate signage should be placed on the door apologising for any inconvenience and providing information on how to find the next disabled toilet.

I am sorry if this information was not readily available and can confirm the reason for the closure of this disabled toilet is regrettably due to defacement and the need for repair work to be undertaken. I can confirm following you raising your concern a sign has now been placed on the door explaining the reason for its closure and signposting the way to get to the next nearest disabled public toilet, which are situated on the ground floor, Zone A (MRI Entrance 1) or alternatively on the ground floor, Zone E (opposite Kellgren).

We recognise that our inactions caused you additional frustration, at what was already an anxious time for you. If you would like to discuss this with us in more detail, please feel free to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0161 276 8686 or by e-mailing pals@mft.nhs.uk quoting PO22/0061.

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