This week, our CEO, Michelle King, was invited to the opening of the new Changing Places toilet at Peterborough City Hospital.

To some people, it might just look like another toilet facility in a hospital, but for many of the families we support, it means something much bigger.

When you're caring for a child or young person with complex physical disabilities, a hospital visit takes a lot of planning. Something as simple as using the toilet can become one of the biggest worries if the right facilities aren't available.

We've spoken to families over the years who have planned journeys around where they knew there was a Changing Places toilet. Others have cut days short or worried about how they'd manage during longer appointments because there simply wasn't somewhere suitable to care for or change their child.

That's why seeing this new facility open is so incredibly important to us.

The Changing Places toilet includes an adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling hoist and enough space for carers to support someone safely and comfortably. It's something many families have needed for a long time, and we're so pleased it's now available at Peterborough City Hospital.

For Michelle, our CEO, seeing the facility finally open brought a real sense of relief. After so many years of families having to manage without suitable facilities, she describes it as a simple “woohoo, we’ve finally done it” moment.

But more than anything, she says it's about dignity.

“For families, it really is about basic dignity,” Michelle explains. For years, some families have had to change their young people on dirty toilet floors, in the back of vans or in other difficult circumstances. Some have even restricted how much their young person drinks because they don't have access to suitable facilities, putting their health at risk.

And Michelle doesn't see this as the end of the conversation. Little Miracles is already working with railway stations as they carry out upgrades, where Changing Places facilities have been verbally confirmed, as well as a new pool which will also include one. She'd also love to see a facility at Hinchingbrooke.

“It's about making sure awareness is raised about these facilities, so families know where they can use them, and so people understand why these facilities are needed.

Michelle said:

"We've been talking about the need for facilities like this for a long time, so it was lovely to see it finally open. We know what a difference it will make for so many families who visit the hospital. It's a simple thing, but for parents and carers, knowing those facilities are there can take away one less worry on what is often already a difficult day."

One Changing Places toilet won't solve every challenge families face, but it's a really positive step in the right direction.

We'd like to thank everyone who helped make it happen and hope it's the start of seeing more Changing Places facilities in hospitals and public spaces across our region.