Kent children reap benefit of Closomat facilities

Children in Kent are encountering an integrated approach on to how facilities, including toilets, which will change the way they can access health facilities, thanks to Closomat.

NHS Property Services, on behalf of Medway’s Community Healthcare, Council and Foundation NHS Trust, has converted a former school into a modern Child Development Centre.

‘Snapdragons Centre’ features Closomat products in the form of six ceiling track hoists in treatment rooms and care facilities, as well as a mobile changing bench and height adjustable basin in toilet facilities, as part of a £3m project.

The hoists allow the children who struggle with mobility to be moved with ease and in a safe manner whilst preserving their dignity. Furthermore, those close to the children face no risk of injury through manual handling.

The height adjustable basin and changing bench guarantee all lavatorial needs are adhered to.

In terms of the washbasin, it can be set for wheelchair users, whilst the changing bench allows young people with continence issues to be cleaned and changed in hygienic surroundings.

The intention of Snapdragons Centre is to have one place which contains specialist clinical services for young people with a range of disabilities, in a purpose-built facility set to a high specification and standard.

Claire Haymes, on behalf of Closomat, said: “By including fittings such as the hoists, users accessing the centre’s services can relax, knowing there are appropriate means for transfer from wheelchair to treatment tables, or wherever needed for therapeutic intervention.

“By also adding the changing bench and height-adjustable basin, the building is totally accessible for all potential users, and addresses all their needs whilst they are there- including intimate, personal care (toileting).”

Closomat marketing manager, Robin Tuffley, reflected on statistics that show the number of children with special needs/disabilities has risen by more than 60% in the past 25 years.

They also show 1 in every 20 children under 16 is disabled, indicating the need for facilities such as Snapdragon. 

“Building regulations focus very much on the need to provide changing facilities for babies: NHS Property Services is, at Snapdragons, being forward-thinking in realising that many of the centre’s users require similar toileting support, but have grown beyond being able to fit on, and be lifted onto, a baby change,” Robin said.

Contact:

Closomat
Building 1, Brooklands Place,
Brooklands Road,
Sale,
Cheshire,
M33 6SD,
United Kingdom

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