DISABLED people are having to ask permission to use the toilet at Basildon Hospital’s A&E unit due to continuing works.

The accident and emergency department is having £17million worth of improvements carried out.

During the works, the department’s disabled toilet has been blocked off.

For the next two weeks, any disabled person wanting the loo will have to ask a receptionist.

Wheelchair-bound Lee Chapman, 37, of Merricks Lane, Vange, was nearly caught short during a recent stay at the hospital.

He said: “The new A&E department shows a total lack of forward planning.

“I only asked to use the toilet once, before I was finally admitted to a ward in the early hours of the morning.

“I like the fact of being an independent adult.

“I should not have to ask someone if I can use the toilet each time I want to go.

“There are children, female and male toilets in the A&E, so why isn’t there a toilet for disabled users?”

Mr Chapman, who went into hospital with a fever and chest pains and has since recovered, said he had to ask the A&E receptionist to escort him to a disabled toilet.

The toilet was about 50 yards away, behind a security door. Mr Chapman is angry there was no wheelchair accessible toilets in the waiting area, despite the improvements.

Pat Trinnaman, spokeswoman for Basildon Hosptial, said: “During the building works, we apologise the disabled toilet in the waiting area is not accessible.

“But there is a sign up telling people one is available to use. However, they need to speak to reception to access it.”

The hospital has promised the disabled toilet will be available in two weeks.

Alternative toilets are available in the adjacent A&E minor treatment area.