Glasgow Airport Changing Places facility image

Glasgow Airport has introduced a new £140,000 Changing Places unit for passengers with complex needs and mobility issues, such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.

Located in the airport’s main check-in hall to ensure it is accessible to both departing and arriving passengers, the spacious facility’s key features include a height-adjustable sink and hydraulic bed, an electronic hoist, shower and non-slip floor and privacy screens.

Due to the extra equipment and space, passengers will now be able to use the toilet facilities safely and comfortably.

Glasgow Airport is now the largest airport in Scotland to have a Changing Places facility and is one of 14 across the UK.

Representatives from the Scottish charity Promoting A More Inclusive Society (PAMIS), which supports people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in Scotland, were invited to the airport to help open the facility.

The airport’s compliance team and its Person of Restricted Mobility provider OCS worked with representatives from PAMIS on the design and requirements of the facility.

Glasgow Airport Changing Places facility image

Mark Johnston, Glasgow Airport’s Managing Director, commented: “Many people with complex health care needs who require this type of facility are restricted from being able to travel because their personal care needs cannot be accommodated in a standard accessible toilet.

“Thanks to the support of organisations such as PAMIS and Changing Places, we have introduced a first-class facility that will now make it easier for carers and people who have severe disabilities to travel through the airport.

“In 2016 we supported just under 90,000 passengers who required additional help while travelling through the terminal. The following year the number of special assistance passengers increased to more than 109,000.”

In 2017, almost 10 million passengers visited Glasgow Airport.

Fiona Souter, Information and Inclusive Communities Director at PAMIS, said: “As the leading Scottish charity for the Changing Places toilet campaign, we are delighted that Glasgow Airport has installed a Changing Places toilet for its visitors.

“Many people with complex health care needs who require this type of facility are restricted from being able to travel because their personal care needs cannot be accommodated in an accessible toilet.

“Having a changing places toilet at Glasgow Airport will open up the world to them and ensure Scotland continues to meet the ambitions of Transport Scotland’s accessible travel framework – Going Further.”

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