Lack of Changing Places toilets is 'frustrating'

Families have spoken of their frustration at the lack of specialist Changing Places toilets (CPTs) in Peterborough.

The large accessible toilets for disabled people - including hoists, changing benches and space for carers were made compulsory for new buildings in England in 2020.

Louise Ravenscroft, a Peterborough mum to two adult children with complex needs, said she had been campaigning for these toilets for more than 20 years.

There are four CPTs in the city including at Car Haven Car park and Peterborough City Council said it had previously supported installations at Nene Park and Queensgate Centre with government funding.

Ms Ravenscroft said "not all spaces have all the facilities required or are of gold standard".

She is campaigning for more of the toilets across Peterborough but claimed the situation was getting worse, rather than improving.

"Why should you have to fight to have your child's most basic needs met?

"It's exhausting having to constantly explain why these services are needed."

Previously, there were plans for a CPT to be installed at Peterborough Cathedral with council funding, which did not materialise.

The council added: "We will continue to assist the cathedral with any future plans for similar facilities and remain committed to working with our partners to support and enhance facilities for vulnerable residents in Peterborough."

Parents have also criticised Peterborough City Hospital for lacking Changing Places toilets for people with severe disabilities.

Natalia, from Peterborough, said she has previously been forced to change her nine-year-old daughter, who uses a wheelchair,"at the back of the car".

On one occasion, Ms Zaman said a hospital volunteer suggested she changed her daughter "in the baby changing room".

Ms Zaman, who runs The Julaybib Project - a social group for Send mums - said:

"My daughter required catheterisation while in hospital for an appointment. I was expected to change her on the floor of a disabled toilet, which I refused and then was sent to the baby changing room, which was completely unsuitable as she weighs over 45kg (99lb).

"I had to take her home and return later, and this was not the first time this has happened. It caused unnecessary distress and highlights a serious issue around dignity and accessibility."

Ms Zaman also said attending GP and hospital appointments in the city was "very challenging".

She added that a lack of awareness around Changing Places toilets was "shocking" and called for more training.

Another mother, who wished to remain anonymous, described the stress of planning days out as a family.

Her son has cerebral palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user.

"My main frustration is not being able to go out with my son even for a few hours just in case he needs changing", she said.

She recalled a recent hospital appointment at the Bretton site, where her son's pad needed changing.

"I had to use a disabled cubicle. I had to put him in awful positions and, with great difficulty, managed to clean and change him.

"It shouldn't be this hard in this day and age."

Chris Todd, director of estates and facilities at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are sorry that some of our patients and visitors are not having the best experience.

"I am pleased to confirm that we have agreed a location and secured a funding route to install a Changing Places facility at Peterborough City Hospital.

"We are aiming for it to be ready for use in Spring 2026."

Previously in 2022, it was announced about 500 new large accessible toilets for severely disabled people were going to be installed across England after the government awarded £23.5m of funding.

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