Hi Everyone,
I am not too sure what to advise and would appreciate some feedback. This
authority has a new leisure centre incorporating a swimming pool. The centre
already has shower, toilet & changing facilities pool side which were
designed at the time to exceed BS8300 standards. Social Services have
introduced a new policy whereby they are trying to mainstream their services
and are asking that the leisure centre purchase a ceiling hoist and changing
bed to be used by support staff assisting their disabled clients wishing to
use the pool. All the existing rooms have been looked at and it is my
opinion that space is at a premium for each location. I suggested that
instead of having a ceiling hoist, a powered cantilever shower bench could
be installed. This bench will rise and fall in height making it easier for
many disabled to transfer onto, as well as, off of and my be used
independantly. Social Services OT's seem to be insisting upon a ceiling
hoist but I am wary about ceiling hoists being misused by children or
untrained adults. Social Services OT's also say the benches I have suggested
will not be strong enough as one of their clients weigh 25 stone and the
benches have a max. 23.5 stone limit.
I don't want to exclude anyone from our service but it would seem a changing
trolley with ceiling hoist would not help the majority of disabled pool
users especially those wanting to use the facility independantly. We could
buy a shower bench, dry bench and another trolley but this seems to be a
rediculas overspend of resources.......Any suggestions?
John
----------End of Message----------
Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
http://www.inclusive-design.it
Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
|