A special toilet fitted with extra space and equipment for people with profound disabilities has been built at Colchester General Hospital.

The new Changing Places facility is located in the Gainsborough Wing, which has benefitted from a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The toilet includes a hoist, adult-sized changing table and shower, along with space for both the individual and their carer.

This is the first Changing Places to be installed at Colchester General Hospital and is one of only a handful currently available across the town.

The toilet will be open 24 hours a day and can by used by anyone with severe disabilities, including members of the public not visiting the hospital.

Lynda Kitching, matron for main outpatients, said: “We are really pleased that we’ve been able to open the hospital’s first Changing Places toilet in Gainsborough Wing.

“They are vitally important to thousands of people across the UK who are unable to use a standard accessible toilet, and provide much more space for individuals and their carers, as well as equipment to help them use the facilities safely, comfortably and with dignity.

“The Changing Places website lists all of the toilets which are currently available, which helps individuals to plan their journeys while offering reassurance that the right facilities will be available to meet their needs.”