Overview

This review is specific to the Changing Places facility at the airport and does not reflect my impression of the airport as a whole. I usually use this section to give a quick overview of the facility before diving into the details of my experience. But I feel this one needs a different approach. We can probably all agree that accessible toilets — especially Changing Places toilets — are a good thing. They’re designed to support a wide range of needs, yet they’re still rare in a world full of accessibility challenges. But they’re only useful if you can actually get into them. When I located the Changing Places toilet land-side near the arrivals area, the first thing I noticed was a keypad above the lock, requiring a number code. Next to it, a sticker read: “To use this facility, please attend the special assistance desk or call 01275 473402.” There was no signage to show where the special assistance desk was, so I called the number. I explained that I was looking to access the Changing Places toilet. The person on the other end asked why I needed it. I explained that I need the extra space. He asked me to hold, then returned to say he couldn’t give me the code. When I asked why, he told me that there was medication stored inside, so I couldn’t go in without someone accompanying me. I pushed back — politely but firmly — and explained that Changing Places toilets aren’t just for people who have someone with them. I’m a disabled person, and I wanted to use the facility. Eventually, he agreed and said someone would come down. It took ten minutes, but when they arrived, they were polite and opened the door without any fuss. I nipped in, used the loo and took some photos for this review. Before I left, I asked if I could share some feedback, and they were receptive. At one point, they mentioned that nobody had asked to use the toilet in two years. I explained that I wasn’t surprised. Having to find or phone a member of staff is an extra barrier, especially when it assumes that a disabled person — or their PA, family member or carer — can manage that process without difficulty. They kindly listened, and I appreciated that. But the truth is: Changing Places toilets are only helpful when they’re accessible. And putting up unnecessary barriers in the way makes them anything but.

Transport & Parking

Access

Toilets

This toilet requires a member of staff to either give you the code or enter it into the keypad just above the door handle, which is a barrier we don’t need. The facility is equipped with a ceiling track hoist, an adjustable changing bed, a shower, a height-adjustable sink with a deep basin and lever-style tap, and a Closomat-style toilet with contrasting blue support rails on either side. There’s plenty of space to move around, apart from the placement of some chairs and bins. While the hoist does run to the toilet, a chair was positioned in the left-side transfer space, and there were four bins in the right-side transfer space, effectively blocking both options. I didn't see a colostomy shelf The room also had a slightly unusual feature: a first aid bay with bandages, gloves, a sharps bin and other supplies. The flooring looked a bit worn in places and could do with a refresh. The lower rating here reflects the unnecessary barrier to entry, the blocked transfer spaces, and bottles of cleaning chemicals left out on the floor. With just a few simple adjustments, this facility could easily earn a higher rating. It's far from the worst facility but I've ever seen but far from the best..

Staff

I've scored right in the middle here as the person on the phone was quite short with me but the person who entered the code was nice and willing to listen to feedback.

Photos