Overview

The Changing Places toilet at the National Museum can be found on the lower floor, which is accessed via the lift. It has the essentials, although the layout leaves a little to be desired. This review is specific to the Changing Places toilet at the National Museum, but it may contain some additional accessibility information.

Transport & Parking

Access

The museum has a ramp at the front and step-free access throughout. To access the toilet, I had to take a lift down to the lower floor. I was advised that there is a second lift, but it was out of order. The lift is small, able to accommodate a powerchair and a standing person, but little else. The lift buttons have braille markings, and the induction loop is operational. There are also several small grab rails around the lift. The lower floor has a café, which wasn't in operation, but there are plenty of seats and tables, where I saw people sitting.

Toilets

The toilet is accessed by pressing the touchpad on the wall outside – it does not require a RADAR key. The door opens outwards, and as it does, you'll see two manual doors: one for the accessible toilet straight ahead and the other for the Changing Places toilet on the right. Both doors were open at the same time, both outwards, which meant I had to close the door to the accessible toilet to get into the Changing Places toilet. Whilst most Changing Places toilets have a ceiling track hoist, this one features a portable hoist, which, due to the layout of the room, can be quite obstructive. The hoist was on the right as I entered, with the legs placed around a diaper bin. This placement meant that the right-side transfer space was blocked. There is a left-side transfer space, but it's quite close to the adjustable change bed. The adjustable change bed can be moved left or right, but not backwards due to the wall. A larger paper towel dispenser is provided for the change bed. The toilet features a contrasting toilet seat with contrasting rails on either side, and the flush is located on the left when seated. The sink has a lever-style tap and features grab rails on both sides. There was a Euan’s Guide red cord card in the toilet, but the cord was wrapped around the card in such a way that it prevented the cord from hanging to the floor. I made sure to fix this, but it's frustrating to see an item designed for safety creating a potential barrier to help. The toilet was clean.

Staff

Photos