Changing Places facility SJUH

Changing Places facility at St James’s means greater accessibility for patients with disabilities

A Changing Places facility installed in the Gledhow wing at St James’s provides improved facilities that meet the needs of disabled people visiting the site. The facility is located on the ground floor of Gledhow wing on the corridor heading towards the Paul Sykes Centre, and is certified as achieving the standards of the national Changing Places initiative.

More than 250,000 people in the UK cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, musclewasting conditions, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, as well as people who have suffered major physical trauma, had a head injury or stroke, as well as some older people. In 2006, the Changing Places Consortium launched its campaign to install a facility in every major public building in the UK. St James’s now joins Leeds General Infirmary in having one of these important facilities on site, providing extra equipment and space, and empowering disabled people to use the toilets in safety and comfort. Alison Conyers, Trust Lead for Disabilities and Autism, said: “The number of people who need access to Changing Places toilets is increasing rapidly. This is because of advances in medical care, and the fact that we’re all living longer. Some people are often not able to go out and do things many take for granted because they rely on Changing Places toilets. Having this new facility here at St James’s will be a huge relief for many disabled patients and their families, who now know we have an accessible, certified facility that caters for their needs and comforts.”

A Changing Place facility provides all the necessary equipment for a disabled user, including a height-adjustable changing bench, a hoist, as well as enough space for the disabled person, up to two carers and their equipment. The facility contains a centrally-placed toilet with room either side for the carers, and a screen or curtain to allow some privacy. This safe and clean environment also features wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench, a large waste bin for disposable pads, and a non-slip floor. The key for the St James’s Changing Place facility is available at the Gledhow wing reception. The Changing Place facility at Leeds General Infirmary is situated on A floor in the Clarendon wing – the key is available from Clarendon wing reception.

Chaplain Rabbi Alby Chait receives New Year’s Honour

LTHT Chaplain Rabbi Albert Chait received an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour list in January. Albert – or Alby – received the Honour for his tireless services to the Jewish community and to charity in West Yorkshire, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alby is senior minister of the United Hebrew Congregation (UHC) in Leeds and, during the height of the pandemic, launched a virtual service, which drew a worldwide audience. One service, recorded at Elland Road stadium in December 2020, was viewed by 20,000 people from around the world. Chief Executive Julian Hartley said: “Alby is such a credit to Leeds and to the Trust. He is an incredibly compassionate person caring for patients and staff at important times in their lives - often responding to emergency requests 24 hours a day and working with our catering team to help provide breakfasts at Passover and at Christmas. Alby always goes the extra mile. He is also a vital link with Jewish communities in the city.” An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded to someone in recognition of an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others. Alby said: “Whilst this is something I will treasure and cherish for the rest of my life, I would however like to dedicate and share this award with the whole UHC Leeds and wider Anglo-Jewish Community whom I am so privileged to serve and whose trust in me both as a Communal Leader and LTHT Chaplain... immense and sacred responsibilities I promise you... I never have OR will ever take for granted.”