REACTION: Time to revise the guidance
CHESHIRE-based Disability Positive is working with Travelodge on access issues. Chief executive Lynne Turnbull says: “There will be a range of needs for bed heights and the current British Standard may not meet all of those needs. We will share this feedback with BSI who set the British Standard.”
A National Trust spokeswoman said: “We keep our accessible properties under constant review. When we next make developments at any of our accessible places, we will be looking to amend the beds if we can.”
A Spinal Injuries Association spokesperson said: “We know the frustration and anger that many people feel when they discover what they thought was an accessible room is not because of something as obvious as bed height. The voices of disabled people must be heard when designing accessible rooms but all too often companies will follow a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”
Comments on social media:
“I WAS about to book Travelodge but their bed height is 48cms – my bed is about 10cms higher so I ‘m having second thoughts now. I’d hate to end up not being able to independently transfer either on or off the bed.”
“UNFORTUNATELY, the BS 8300 Design of Buildings and Code of Practice states the top of accessible bed mattresses should be 48cms from floor.”
“BED height is a real problem, even in accessible rooms. Hotels seem to think we have the climbing skills of Tarzan/Spider Man. A few years ago late at night I lost balance trying to do a high transfer and slid to the floor. I ended up pulling the duvet and pillow off the bed and slept on the floor.”