MY STORY On the 24th March 20 I was rushed to the Royal hospital with severe breathing difficulties. On arrival i was taken to ICU intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. I remained there fully sedated for 3 weeks. Having previously had no severe underlying conditions i came out of hospital with heart failure and microscopic colitis then had two TIA's. The heart failure means i get very breathless on exercise and cannot walk far. The Colitis is so debilitating and symptoms onset without any warning needing me to find a toilet very quickly. 

Last week I had to visit the opticians as the Covid also appears to have changed my specs prescription,  they were running late and the all too familiar stomach pain started and I really needed a toilet fast. Every toilet in Chesterfield was locked and inaccessible including the ' Changing places' disabled facilities awesome toilets well done CBC, toilets found to be locked apparently you can apply for a key (not radon ) unfortunately people with disabilities are unable to chase up keys in a hurry, I myself wouldnt make it anyway. Not so well done CBC all that expense on an amazing facility that is not fit for purpose when really needed, since my diagnosis I have joined a wonderful fb Crohns / Colitis group and have received a lot of feepdback from others upset that they can not go into Chesterfield for bill paying banking and appointments for fear of an embarrassing and undignified 'accident' where is the disability awareness, equality in disabilities, right to access facilities and healthcare ? I'll tell you where it's gone down the  pan (pardon the pun) and does not fall short of disability discrimination people dare not go into.for even 10 mins .because of the fear. Does the council tax breakdown include upkeep and provision of public facilities? false representation. Now I am well aware of the Covid situation the cleaning and sanitisation required after each toilet use but is one accessible toilet too much to ask,  CBC I'm sure could manage one toilet Sainsburys and Tesco manage to maintain several. It is not rocket science to take mask wipes and hand gel and be responsible for yourself. It is a human right to be able to access a nearby toilet. Evidence has shown that there is very little risk to using public facilities. Sometimes we can be quite some time in the toilet that's neither practical or dignifiedI would like a response from CBC and some viable  realistic suggestion as to what we should do when suddenly needing a toilet close by with little warning. We live  with this condition every day it is not temporary and my bowels unfortunately do not go into lockdown in a response to a pandemic  and I am certainly not going to allow the council to force me or my friends Into adult nappies I would also like to add that because of the nature of the disease and having very little warning having to queue for one toilet ? There isnt time we cant wait What do you suggest new mums with babies are  supposed to do and people caring for disabled adults change them on the floor, totally unacceptable and people do have to use the town centre for appointments bill paying and essential items not everyone drives and can access super markets. Yes I am fully aware of Covid I've had it twice but I am entitled to have my dignity respected. As are essential visitors and workers in the town centre van drivers market traders lorry delivery drivers  and people with disabilities. 

What we need is a manned toilet pay on entry cash or card everywhere else seems to have them the profit would help pay for the assistance and sanitisation.

 Finally people must be allowed to make their own decisions around what they feel is safe and comfortable but unfortunately  you have taken away that freedom of choice.

Finally I would like to request to see your risk assessment (freedom of information ) that i would expect shows the risk is so high that the toilets must closed and how you justify subjecting people to faecal incontinence.

I await your response.  Sue Dolman