A new Changing Places toilet for severely disabled people is being built at Grantham Hospital.

Funding for the facility was announced by the Government today (Fri), with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) receiving a £97,000 slice of more than £500,000 made available to 10 trusts across England to provide the new facilities at all its hospitals.

Changing Places are toilets with additional equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently, including adult-sized changing benches and hoists.

People with severe disabilities say Changing Places facilities can be life-changing and allow them to attend hospital appointments without fear or stress.

A spokesperson for ULHT told Grantham Nub News that the opening date for the Grantham Hospital Changing Place has not yet been confirmed, but work will be getting underway on the new facility immediately.

Deputy Chief Nurse at ULHT Jennie Negus said: "We are absolutely delighted and grateful to have received this funding to develop Changing Places facilities on each of our hospital sites, something we have long wished to do.

"We recognise just how difficult it is for people with significant disabilities such as profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy to use standard accessible toilets and we know developing these will make a huge difference to them when they visit our sites.

"Our patients and carers will be equally delighted to hear this news."

There are currently just over 50 Changing Places on the NHS England estate.

Minister for Care Caroline Dinenage said: "People with severe disabilities deserve to live with dignity and independence, but lack of access to adequate toilet facilities can be a huge challenge.

"Hospitals, like all public spaces, have a duty to cater for people with disabilities – who risk discomfort, embarrassment and even injury without access to a Changing Place.

"While today will help us to double the number of Changing Places in NHS trusts, we still have far to go – I expect every hospital development to include a Changing Places facility in their future plans."