Hygiene Rooms – an essential part of school provision (Part 1)

Hygiene rooms are an essential part of disability provision in mainstream and SEN schools. Unfortunately they are the Cinderella of schools, unloved, left out and only thought about at the last minute! The result often is a room that is impractical for the pupils it is supposed to serve. We’ve seen a few hygiene rooms in our time, and we wanted to share what works and what doesn’t, so you can get it right.Read on for our essential guide on how to get your new hygiene room right.

Make it big!

When your hygiene room is full of a wheelchair, student and maybe two carers plus other equipment, space is often at a premium, so make it as large as you can. We recommen 3 metres by 4 metres, if you can make it bigger than that that is even better.

Get the right equipment

Think about the needs your student will have, and what needs may come up in the future. Questions you may want to ask are

Hoists – Will the student need hoisting? If so a ceiling may only need one carer to operate, reducing staff time and restoring student dignity.

Showering – Will the student need showering? If so how often. How will they be changed? Is a wall mounted couch better, or will a shower trolley that can be accessed from both side meet their needs betters?

Toilet – Many designers place the toilet in a typical disabled configuration, i.e. close to the wall in a corner but if you are hoisting this is awkward to access. Place your toilet centrally with plenty of room each side and if you are working with teenagers consider a toilet that washes and dries users – perfect for preserving dignity through those awkward teenage years.

Location, Location, Location

Think about where in the school your hygiene room is located, remember that time will be evry short during breaks for personal procedures, and you dopn’t want to spend 15 minutes three times a day walking from one end of teh school to another. Choose a central location that is accessible to all students, no matter what year or class they are in.

Make it bright

Make it cheerful, bright, warm and inviting – you want your students to feel safe and protected, they are being put into a vulnerable position and need to feel secure.

Part 2 coming soon…

Multicare – Hygiene Room fitout specialists

Call us today or fill in the form below – we’re here to help and would love to assist with fitting out your next hygiene room. We can offer a full service from concept to completion, or work wit your contractors to supply the equipment. Whatever your needs we have the answer!