Published on October 10, 2024

Owensboro Health Unveils Dedicated Assisted Changing Room for Individuals with Special Needs

individuals holding up a ribbon for a ceremony

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new assisted changing room this morning at a special event in the hospital’s auditorium. The new room, believed to be the first of its kind in the state, is designed to provide a safe and private space for individuals with limited mobility and their caregivers.

The project was inspired by Joey Newton, a client at the Opportunity Center in Owensboro and an advocate for the rights of disabled persons in the community. Joey and Rosemary Conder, Executive Director of the Opportunity Center, worked closely with Owensboro Health’s Facilities department to bring this idea to life. The new room features an adult-sized changing table, space for caregivers to assist, and necessary sanitary supplies. It is available for use by anyone in the community and is located near the auditorium in the Pleasant Valley Medical Office Building, directly across from the elevators.

Beth Steele, Chief Operating Officer of Owensboro Health, expressed her excitement during the ceremony: “When you think about Owensboro Health, one of the things that we’re so proud of is that we accommodate thousands of people through our doors every year… some of those folks have mobility challenges. So, to be inclusive and truly compassionate to everyone who comes through our doors, this was an amazing idea.”

tan room with a large changing table

Joe Taylor, Executive Director of Facilities at Owensboro Health, read the letter from Joey that initiated the project: “‘My name is Joey Newton and I’m a participant at the Opportunity Center of Owensboro, a day training facility for people with disabilities… Sometimes adults in wheelchairs need help with the restroom and have to be put on the floor for changing or go home sooner than they wanted in order to get changed. I think the hospital would be better if they had this service.’” Taylor noted, “That letter went down the hall to Beth Steele and in less than 48 hours, the volunteer auxiliary had approved the expense for this entire project. It’s just amazing how quickly it all came together.”

The project also received support from the Kentucky Governor’s Office. Alex Caudill, the Governor's field representative, shared a message from Governor Andy Beshear: “This truly exemplifies the meaning of Team Kentucky. I wish you the best as you celebrate the importance and value of this designated space, and I hope the community will continue to recognize and provide for the needs of our special needs citizens and those who care for them.”

The new changing room will provide a dignified, safe environment for those who need assistance. Owensboro Health is proud to promote inclusivity for individuals of all abilities.

About Owensboro Health

Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.

On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.