Changing Places at Rainbow Leisure Centre

gillrhaydon

08 Jun 2026

Disappointing Changing Places toilet experience

2

2

Date of visit: June 2026

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, closomat toilet, disabled toilet, mobility scooter, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Poor

First poor experience with an up to date modern Changing Places toilet, and I had carers with me, who were also unimpressed with the facilities! 1.The whole room was too small for the equipment it contained and was accessed by a lift to a lower level. 2. Main problem, the child-sized changing bench. I'm a fully hoisted, 5' 5" adult female of average weight and I had to lie diagonally to fit on the bench, feet hanging off, no room to roll to change slings, with head resting on edge of a hard fixed shelf pointing inwards from the table head & foot boards. (This can almost be seen on their own photos of venue.) 3. I could not access the sink in my powerchair as a large mobile hoist/standaid was wedged between toilet and sink! This was completely unnecessary, as ceiling hoist was fully operational.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

See above under Parking

Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Lift to some areas

Parking & Transport

Good

I travelled to this place by personal vehicle

Free parking as part of shopping & leisure complex. Disabled spaces available. CP toilet is on lower ground floor, accessed by stairs or lift. Reception staff must open security gate for wheelchair access to lift. Loan of Radar key is available from reception staff. Collect before passing through security gate (which is timed). I had my own radar key.

Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking

Accessible Toilets

Poor

See main comments.

Facilities: Changing Places toilet

Staff

Average

Asked if I needed a Radar key, after security gate had shut. Luckily I had my own. Still, the exchange was shouted across the entrance area where a constant stream of the public were exiting the leisure centre.🤔 A bit embarrassing...! Nothing compared to the discomfort and difficulties my carers and I were about to endure.

Comments

justjules

09 Jun 2026

What a disappointing experience for you - but thank you for sharing with us.