Changing Places

Darlington Borough Council’s Statement of Purpose for this Facility

The Council is committed to creating equal access for disabled people.

This facility is dedicated for disabled people; in particular people with profound disabilities who require a hoist and changing plinth, as well as a toilet and shower.

This facility will allow disabled people, their family and carers to be confident that trips out should not be cut short, because of a lack of a dedicated changing facility.

This ‘Changing Place’ toilet is situated on the ground floor at the Dolphin Centre which is within the town’s Market Square.

The Dolphin Centre has accessible toilets some with shower facilities on all four floors, including the changing village. The accessible toilet on the first floor includes an adjustable changing bed if required.

The 'Changing Place' toilet is accessible to poolside and therefore needs a fob to gain access, if you do not have a fob please contact reception.

The facility has a ceiling track hoist which gives access to a:

  • toilet
  • height adjustable changing plinth
  • level access shower

All of this is provided with good access for wheelchair use.

The facility must be used with a carer when using the hoist and changing plinth. Carers must be fully trained in the use of the hoist and bring their own sling.

For more information on Changing Places please follow link below:

www.changing-places.org

Competent use of on-site equipment

Hoist details: Guldmann ceiling track hoist with single track over changing plinth. This leads to a small ‘H’ track via a manual operated shunt, that moves over the level access shower seat and a standard toilet. A quick guide on how to use it is on this webpage.

Changing  Plinth: Medi-Plinth  manually  raised  and  lowered  using  foot pedal. Plinth rails and paper towel dispenser included. Manufacturer user manual is also available on this webpage. 

It is your responsibility to accustom yourself with the hoist and plinth after reading the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, please see links below.

GH3 Quick Guide [pdf document]
Information about Changing Table [pdf document]

After using the hoist and plinth please:

  • place the handset back in the cupboard and lock it.
  • the plinth and safety rails are lowered down.

Sling Compatibility with the Guldmann Ceiling Track Hoist

Slings will not be provided under any circumstances.

It can be very dangerous and can lead to major injury or fatality, if you use the wrong type of sling with the hoist provided.

Sling compatibility must not be assumed.

There are many sling manufacturers on the market. It is the sling manufacturer who should state what makes of hoists are compatible with their sling.

Points to remember about slings:

  • slings are for personal use only and only to be used by the personal for whom it was assessed.
  • Using your own sling eliminates cross infection.
  • It is your responsibility to check the sling is in good condition and not damaged before using this facility.
  • The sling must have a legible label that clearly says;
    • The manufacturer and their contact details
    • The sling’s serial number
    • Its safe weight limit (SWL)
    • CE mark to define that it’s made to a specific standard

If your sling does not have a label, or the label is difficult to read, then the sling should be replaced prior to use.

It is you or your carer’s responsibility to ensure the sling remains fit for safe use.

Servicing, Maintenance and Inspection of the Equipment Including User Checks Prior to Operation

All lifting equipment including the changing plinth, must be serviced and kept in good working order. The Council has competent contractors to provide this service.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also recommend inspection of the hoist and plinth to satisfy Lifting Operations and lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER 1998) when used for work purpose.

Relevant certification can be requested to be viewed if required. Please ask at the Dolphin Centre Reception.

Please go to reception on your first visit to go through;

  • Door Entry System to Changing Facility and Pool side.
  • Emergency call system
  • The facility has a pull cord. Please locate it on your first visit.
  • Fire and Evacuation

Please follow all instructions given to you by staff at the Dolphin Centre. Fire procedures are available if you wish to read them. Please ask at reception.

Cleaning, Hygiene and Disposing of Waste Products

The facility offers level access shower with basic shower seat and drop down grab rails. Users will need to have independent sitting balance.

The facility provides appropriate bins for disposing of pads, paper, gloves and aprons.

Please do not put any of these products down the toilet.

Use the paper roll provided to cover the top of the plinth. Once finished please dispose of it in the bin provided and wipe down the plinth.

Please wipe your spillages up from the floor and report it to reception

Any problems with the facility please let reception know as soon as possible.

Thank you.