Wellington has become the most inclusive town in its area of Somerset, with the opening of a new pub….
JD Wetherspoon, which has already won national awards for its toilet facilities, hopes its new The Iron Duke- named after the Duke of Wellington- will continue its tradition: it is the latest of the chain’s venues to incorporate a Changing Places wheelchair-accessible toilet for anyone who also need additional equipment such as a bench and/or hoist.
Supplied and installed by Clos-o-Mat, the Changing Places means children and adults who needs a carer’s help with their personal hygiene has the appropriate space and equipment to do so hygienically. The alternative would be to curtail their visit, lie their loved one on the toilet floor to change them, or not be able to enjoy a relaxing drink and meal out with friends and family.
All toilets at The Iron Duke- women, men, baby change and the Changing Places- are accessed directly off the main bar area, with entry to the Changing Places toilet being via RADAR key.
Jon Matthews, Wetherspoon’s development manager, said, “Pubs traditionally are the focal point of any community. As a company we aim to ensure that all members of a community, including those with disabilities, can access and enjoy what we have to offer.”
A Changing Places toilet is ‘desirable’ under Building Regulations Approved Document M 2015, and BS8300:2009, for all new build and refurbishment projects involving buildings to which numbers of the public have access. Under British Standards, it provides a minimum 12m2, and includes a peninsular toilet, washbasin, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and ceiling track hoist.
Now, over 900 are open across the UK; JD Wetherspoon is the only leading brand of pub chain to incorporate the facilities wherever possible in its new build and refurbishment projects.
Clos-o-Mat is the leading player in the supply and installation of the away from home assisted accessible toilet facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, project management, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment means it is uniquely provide a reliable, single source for the whole process. Further, its website www.clos-o-mat.com, is an essential reference point for anyone considering installing a Changing Places toilet, offering white paper, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, standard layouts, and video.
