Changing Places toilet
3
3
Date of visit: November 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
This review relates solely to the Changing Places toilet at this location, although it does reference accessibility within the station.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The station is accessible from three sides, with ramp and lift access however, I've found that the lift does not operate until at least 2 hours after the station opens, as it's the responsibility of the left luggage team, who unlock it when they get to it. I attended for an outbound journey at 07:10 one day to find they hadn't yet unlocked the lift, as such I had to go the long way around and use the ramp. This also means that the toilet is not accessible from when the station opens, as it's the same lift. For this reason, I'm scoring down accessibility overall. I wish I didn't have to, as there is level access throughout, the lift buttons have braille markings and an induction loop operates in the lifts, at the ticket office and on the platforms. When I can be sure that the lift will operate in line with station opening hours, I'll rescore.
Parking & Transport
Good
Located on a central bus route and just a stone's throw from Buchanan Street Subway Station, the station is easy to reach. However, changes in recent years have led to the removal of parking spaces around the nearby George Square. The closest on-street parking is on Queen Street, where there are many accessible parking spaces, although they tend to fill up quickly.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There is a modern Changing Places toilet at the station, which you'll find on the basement level by taking the lift to the lower level. The lift button says “-2” rather than “basement,” which could cause a little confusion. The door opens outwards and requires a RADAR key to enter. The toilet features an adjustable change bed with a privacy screen, shower, and shower seat, as well as a ceiling track hoist. There's an adjustable sink with a deep basin and lever-style tap, grab rails on both sides, and a static toilet with grab rails on both sides. The toilet seat and grab rails contrast with the white wall of the toilet. There is a colostomy shelf to the left of the toilet, which is being used to store toilet paper, and a right-side transfer space that is unusable due to bins being stored in the transfer space. The red cord was tied around a grab rail, despite having a Euan's Guide red cord card attached. I fixed it during my visit and can only hope it remains unobstructed. The toilet is well equipped but not well maintained. The maintenance chart stated it had been checked twice that day, which means that the tied-up cord had been overlooked that day, if not for several day.
