MK Gallery Milton Keynes

MK Gallery in Milton Keynes is the latest venue to complete the installation of a Changing Places facility.

The installation is part of a redevelopment of the gallery which began in 2016 and is due for completion in March this year and incorporates a Ropox StandardLine wash basin and Shower/Changing bed and Guldmann GH3 Hoist, all of which were supplied and installed by Taylor Dolman for the main contractor as Deputy Director Kate Chadwick, explained:

“The main drive behind the redevelopment was to create a better social space with enhanced access to the building and gallery facilities so we could broaden our programme of events and exhibitions and make them as accessible as possible and the Changes Places facility was a vital part of this.  We were extremely lucky to receive funding for the Changing Places unit from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.  We are delighted with the equipment which has been installed and I know it is going to help our many visitors with a disability.  When we received the on-site training, we were all surprised by how user friendly all the equipment is and I have no doubt visitors will be able to use it with confidence.”

Ropox are synonymous with providing accessible bathing solutions and as part of the installation their height adjustable StandardLine basin and height adjustable Shower Changing bed were recommended by Taylor Dolman. With a height adjustment of 70 to 100 cm, the basin has been designed to incorporate enough legroom for wheelchair users to comfortably access the basin and the user or their carer can alter the height of the basin at the touch of an easy to use button integrated into the top of the basin.

The Ropox height adjustable Shower Changing Bed can be folded up when not in use to save space and the height can be set to the ideal level for the user and carer using the easy to operate electric adjustment control. With a maximum user weight of 220 kg and a height adjustment from 300 to 1000 mm the changing bed is suitable for most users. To ensure the user is comfortable, the bed’s slats feature a soft top side and to help with cleaning, the slats can be easily removed.

To facilitate safe comfortable transfers a room covering ceiling hoist system has been installed. With a maximum lifting capacity of 200 kg the GH3 was chosen as it will meet the hoisting requirements of most visitors to the Gallery along with their carer, family member or friend. Unlike some tracked hoists which only charge when connected to a docking system, the batteries in the hoist are continually recharged regardless of where the hoist is positioned on the track offering peace of mind to staff and users alike.

“Our Changing Places is only the second one in Central Milton Keynes, and it will not just benefit users of the Gallery but the surrounding community as it will be open to the general public.  For example, we have already had conversations with Milton Keynes Theatre as they are going to promote it to their visitors.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in helping us make the Gallery a truly inclusive venue for the people of Milton Keynes, this really is the final piece in the jigsaw of our exciting redevelopment and we cannot wait to share it with everyone” concluded Kate.

“We are delighted to have been involved in yet another successful Changing Places installation and receive such positive feedback from the team at MK Gallery.  We all know how much people need and appreciate the Changing Places facilities around the UK and look forward to being involved in many more in 2019” commented Peter Davies from Ropox.

For more information on the full range of Changing Places solutions available from Ropox visit www.changingconcepts.co.uk or call us.