Coming to hospital

Accessible toilets and Changing Places at Austin Hospital

We provide accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility to support people with disability, their families and carers when visiting Austin Hospital.
Changing Places symbol - a circular sign depicting a person in a wheelchair with an assistant and a hoist/table, indicating a, safe, and fully equipped space.
Changing Places symbol

Wheelchair‑accessible toilets are available in a number of locations across Austin Hospital.

Our Changing Places facility offers more space and specialised equipment than standard accessible toilets.

It is designed for people with high support needs and helps them use bathroom facilities safely, comfortably and with dignity while attending appointments or spending time on site.

 

Locations

Changing Places

The Austin Hospital Changing Places facility is located on:

Level 3, Harold Stokes Building
Near the Pathology Collection Centre and gift shop

Directional signage is available on site. Staff can also help if you need assistance finding the location.

Other accessible toilets

Wheelchair‑accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and on some other levels across Austin Hospital.

If you need help finding the nearest accessible toilet, hospital staff can assist you when you arrive.

What is a Changing Places facility?

Changing Places are specially designed accessible bathrooms for people with disability who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

They are for people who:

  • Use wheelchairs or large mobility equipment
  • Need an adult‑sized change table
  • Require support from carers or support workers

Changing Places help reduce barriers and support fair access to healthcare services.

Features of our Changing Places facility

The facility includes:

  • A height‑adjustable adult change table
  • A ceiling hoist
  • (users need to bring their own sling)
  • A peninsula toilet with space for carers and support staff
  • Extra circulation space for wheelchairs and equipment
  • A privacy screen

Accessing our Changing Places facility

The Changing Places bathroom is:

  • Locked at all times
  • Accessed using a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK)

MLAK keys are used across Australia for Changing Places and other accessible facilities.

Borrowing a MLAK key

Most people bring their own MLAK.

If you forget your key, a spare MLAK can be borrowed from the Level 3 Pathology Collection Centre during opening hours.

Signage at the facility will direct you to where to collect the key.

To borrow or return a MLAK out of office hours, please call Security on 03 9496 4999.

Close up of the closed door of the Changing Places facility. It includes a metal plate with 'Changing Places' and the the Changing Places symbol on it. A blue sign with information about how to borrow a MLAK. There is a second metal place which shows whether the facility is occupied or vacant and it has a lock on it.
Close up of the closed door of the Changing Places facility.

Getting a MLAK key

Some people may need to apply for a MLAK.

You may be eligible if you have a disability, or have written support from:

  • A doctor
  • A disability organisation
  • A community health centre
  • The owner or manager of a building with an accessible toilet

You can apply through the Master Locksmiths Association website.

Learn more about Changing Places

For more information about Changing Places facilities across Australia, visit the Changing Places website.