Family launch petition for 'Changing Places' toilet at Peterborough City Hospital after distressing experiences

Sisters Kristina Taylor and Megan Edwards are supporting the national campaign ‘Changing Places’ which calls for public spaces to have accessible toilets with hoists and adult changing beds.

They have now started a petition for the facilities to be installed at Peterborough City Hospital – where their mum Liz Taylor has been receiving treatment.

The 55 year-old was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a decade ago, and more recently faced a battle with breast cancer – which has unfortunately spread to her bones. She is now receivingpalliative care.

“Our mum has lived with progressive multiple sclerosis for over a decade,” Kristina explains. "Most recently, we were devastated to learn her breast cancer has returned and spread to her bones. She is now permanently in a motorised wheelchair, has no control over her legs or torso and requires a hoist for movement.

“Unfortunately, Peterborough City Hospital lacks a 'Changing Places' toilet - a facility specifically designed for individuals with severe physical disabilities. These facilities include essential equipment like an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system.

"Without such a facility, many like my mum face the indignity and discomfort of inadequate restroom accommodations during already physically and emotionally daunting hospital visits.”

The family say Liz has shown incredible strength and positivity despite facing “one health challenge after another”. They are now doing all they can to support her through treatments which aim to prolong her life and reduce her discomfort.

"We hope to bring joy to her days, just as she’s always done for others,” said Kristina, 33. "But a recurring source of distress has been the lack of accessible restroom facilities at Peterborough City Hospital.

"Appointments often last 4–5 hours, and there are no toilets equipped for people with advanced physical disabilities like hers.

"She's been reduced to tears, not by treatment, but by the indignity of simply not having a toilet she can use.”

Liz is cared for at her home near Spalding by her partner Chris Edwards, with support from her daughters and regular visits from carers.

The Changing Places campaign states that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or physical disabilities such as spinal injuries and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space “to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably” – and that such needs are met by a Changing Places toilet.

The lack of such facilities isn't limited to Peterborough City Hospital – with many prominent public places around the city still without one. Currently, there are just three Changing Places toilets in the city centre – located at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Ferry Meadows and Car Haven public toilets in St Peter’s Road. Nationally, there are only around 2600 such facilities.

"We believe every NHS hospital should have one,” said Kristina. “For us, that starts with Peterborough City Hospital.”

Regarding the petition, which has so far attracted 732 supporters, she added: “Please consider signing and sharing the petition. It’s a small act that could help restore dignity to so many people like my mum.”

We contacted North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital. Charlotte Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at the Trust, said: “Although due to limited space we don’t currently have Changing Places at our sites, we are actively exploring if and how we can implement these in our Trust in the future. It is really important to us that our facilities meet the needs of all of our service users.”

To support the campaign, sign the family’s petition via Change.org.