Can a Changing Places Room be installed in listed buildings?

With the Changing Places concept becoming ever more popular – Multicare are often asked the question “can you install Changing Places in a listed building?” – The answer is yes. Read on to find out more……

Changing Places guidance makes allowance for reasonable adjustments.

The principle behind the Changing Places movement is to improve access to public areas for persons who are non-ambulant and require assistance for personal care. In the UK often such buildings will be listed, but as there is not normally any requirement for structural alterations to accommodate these facilities, it would be unusual to have to obtain listed consent. As we have such a wide range of fixing options, specifying a discrete system will minimise disruption to the fabric of the building, and also accommodate unusual features which should not be disturbed.

Even if the room is not quite 3 metres x 4 metres, the installation can still be functional and be registered on the website. Consider what equipment is to be installed – hoist, changing couch, privacy screen, adjustable toilet and basin are the main requirements, with level or ramped access over the entrance threshold. If ceiling heights are low, a hoist such as the GHZero will maximise the available height. Multicare offer a free design service for such installations, and will conduct a site survey to ensure all bases are covered.

Practical requirements

Ceiling height

If the space you are working with has a low ceiling, consider a hoist such as the GHZero. By combining the hoist into the rail itself, the lifting height is increased substantially.  This design also provides minim visual impact and a discreet appearance, perfect for sensitive installations. For more information on the GHZero, click here.

Structure of ceiling

Whilst most ceiling hoists are supported from the ceiling structure, if the area you are working with has no structural support in the ceiling, or is inaccessible, or maybe even contains asbestos, a wall rail system such as or GH3 hoist may provide the answer. Mounting securely to the walls, via four simple brackets, it provide full room coverage with no need to disturb or access the ceiling or roof space. Future maintenance requirements are made simpler, safer and more cost effective, as high level access equipment is not required for routine LOLER inspections and servicing.

Structure of walls

Many listed buildings are of an age and construction that the wall construction is not solid, in these situations our wall rail system can be mounted to stud partitions, without the need for additional structural support. Providing an amazingly slim and discreet appearance they are ideal for rooms where there is no support in the walls or the ceiling. Click here for more details on the wall rails system.

Mobile equipment

If fixing to the walls is not an option, there are a number of free standing solutions available.

• A gantry hoist will provide all the benefits of a ceiling hoist system, with no fixing to any part of the room. With a Safe Working Load of up to 250kg, they equally robust and user friendly as a fixed hoist system. Click here for further details on the gantry hoist systems.
• A mobile shower trolley enables safe showering and changing on a mobile unit. With a choice of either powered or manual lift options, and two lengths, whatever the size of your room, there is a solution available.

Changing Places at the Southbank Centre

When London’s famous Southbank Centre decided to add a Changing Places facility to their listed Thameside performing arts centre, they utilised Multicare’s unique pool of expertise to translate their scheme into reality, and create a facility which enhanced the iconic structure. The finished scheme is a huge improvement for visitors with special needs, and our complete installation, service and maintenance package is a boon to the facilities manager. A true win-win situation!

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/