‘Total’ Approach Enhances ‘Outstanding’ Provision

A college already rated ‘outstanding’ in its approach to inclusion and meeting the needs of its learners has taken steps to further enhance resources for students with the installation of a sophisticated personal hygiene room. Halesowen College’s new, £3m Block 10 is the latest addition to the campus, which is the area’s leading choice for post 16 education. A key element of the new block is provision of facilities for students with learning disabilities- through to their personal hygiene needs; main contractor Greswolde Construction turned to leading disabled toileting solutions provider Clos-o-Mat to supply equipment for a dedicated hygiene room, including a height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable wash basin, hoist and Clos-o-Mat Palma ‘wash and dry’ toilet. The equipment means anyone who needs the help of a carer, and/or uses a wheelchair, can attend College safe in the knowledge there are appropriate toilet facilities for them. The height adjustability of the changing bench makes it easier for carers to manouevre their charges onto the bed for changing; the same variation with the washbasin means it can be raised or lowered to facilitate use by ambulant or wheelchair users. The Clos-o-Mat Palma, with its in-built douching and drying, means the user can toilet, and be clean, without the need for manual cleansing with toilet tissue themselves or by a carer. Halesowen College principal Keith Bates explained, “We make every effort to accommodate the different needs of students, and have established an excellent reputation for our approach to educational and social inclusion in meeting the needs of learners. The College has a commitment to renew the Whittingham Campus, which includes the construction of Block 10, incorporating purpose-built facilities for students with learning disabilities.” Clos-o-Mat has a proven track record on the supply and installation of fully accessible toilets, including a substantial number of Changing Places facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, including Clos-o-Mat wash and dry (automatic) toilets, means it is uniquely positioned to simplify the whole process for forward-thinking environments to which the public have access.