Changing facilities not seen as 'value for money' by government, says MHK

Douglas South MHK again pushes for government action on issue

A Douglas MHK who is 'contacted weekly' about accessible changing places says she might as well go back to those inquiring and tell them government feels that the amenities are not worth investing in.

Sarah Maltby raised the issue in the House of Keys this week.

And it's not the first time - she's been asking questions about a possible facility in the Sea Terminal since 2022.

Back then, she told Manx Radio government needs to 'lead the way' on the issue, saying the installation of such a facility would be an 'obvious solution'.

In 2023, she said the lack of public changing place facilities on the Island is 'letting people down'.

Since then, the Douglas South representative has asked several further questions, and has overseen the unveiling of a 'changing places' toilet in the new Tesco on Victoria Road in Douglas.

This week, Mrs Maltby asked Health Minister Lawrie Hooper whether his department has conducted a feasibility study into providing a changing place facility at Noble's Hospital; and if so, what the findings and next steps are.

She also asked Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall whether his department has conducted a feasibility study into providing a changing place facility at the Sea Terminal building; and if so, what were the findings and next steps.

Both ministers confirmed that appropriate areas have been identified, but that funding would need to be secured in order to move the projects forward.

Mr Hooper confirmed a 'full intrusive survey' has not yet been undertaken, but it is estimated the work at Noble's Hospital would cost around £45,000.

Meanwhile Mr Crookall stated the figure at the Sea Terminal would be more in the region of between £65,000 and £100,000.

He denied insinuating it wasn't value for money, saying: "We haven't got that money, and we'd have to find it - there's an awful lot of work involved here [but] yes those facilities should be available".

Manx Radio spoke to Mrs Maltby after the sitting to find out what she made of the ministers' answers: