Introduction – What is a Doc M Pack?
A Doc M Pack is a complete set of fixtures and fittings designed to help you create a fully accessible bathroom or toilet that meets UK Building Regulations Part M and BS 8300. These packs ensure that essential elements – such as grab rails, raised height toilets, and lever taps – are correctly specified and positioned so that the space is safe, functional and inclusive for all users.
At Adaptation Supplies, our Doc M Packs are built for full compliance while also supporting dementia-friendly bathroom design. By combining regulatory requirements with practical design choices – such as high-contrast fittings, familiar controls, and safe, non-slip surfaces – we help you create spaces that are not only legally compliant, but also comfortable and easy to navigate for people living with dementia or reduced mobility.
Why Doc M Compliance Matters
Doc M regulations set out the layout, dimensions and product specifications needed to make bathrooms and WCs accessible to people with disabilities. They are a legal requirement for public buildings, commercial premises, and many residential adaptation projects.
Compliance ensures:
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Correct positioning of grab rails for safe transfers
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Raised height toilets to aid sitting and standing
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Clear access space for wheelchair manoeuvring
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Colour contrast between key elements to improve visibility
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Fixtures and fittings that are easy to use for people with limited dexterity
These requirements overlap closely with dementia-friendly design principles, which also emphasise clear visual cues, intuitive controls, and safe movement through the space.
Key Components of a Doc M Pack
1. Grab Rails
Grab rails provide stability and support for transfers and movement. For dementia-friendly bathrooms, colour contrast is essential – rails should stand out clearly against the wall so they are easy to locate.
ASL supplies rails in a range of finishes, including options recommended for dementia design. Positioning is critical: horizontal, vertical, and angled rails should meet the Part M height and spacing requirements to ensure safety for all users.Explore Grab Rails
2. Comfort Height Toilets
A comfort height toilet (also known as a raised height toilet) reduces strain when sitting down or standing up. In dementia-friendly spaces, the toilet seat should contrast in colour with both the pan and the surrounding floor to make it easy to identify. Familiar lever flush controls are preferred over push-button systems, which can cause confusion.Explore Comfort Height Toilets
3. Lever Taps
Lever taps are easier to operate for people with reduced dexterity or grip strength. For dementia-friendly specification, select taps with clear hot and cold markings and a familiar, traditional style. Cross-head designs with quarter-turn action are particularly effective for ease of use.Explore Lever Taps
4. Additional Fixtures
A complete Doc M Pack will also include:
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Basin with adequate clearance underneath for wheelchair users
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Backrest and support arms
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Accessible toilet roll holder in a contrasting colour
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Mirror (with the option to cover it if reflection causes distress for dementia patients)
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Red or contrasting pull-cord alarm system
Dementia-Friendly Design Considerations in Doc M Bathrooms
While Doc M Packs ensure accessibility compliance, dementia-friendly specification enhances safety, comfort and independence. Key considerations include:
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Colour contrast: Use a minimum of 30 Light Reflectance Value (LRV) points difference between fixtures and background surfaces to make each element easily identifiable.
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Non-slip, single-colour flooring: Avoid patterns, flecks or high-gloss finishes, which can cause visual confusion or be mistaken for dirt or water.
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Familiar controls: Choose taps and flush mechanisms that resemble those the user has used for many years.
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Avoiding reflections and glare: Use frosted PET plastic shower screens rather than glass, and select tiles with a matt finish.
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Temperature safety: Fit thermostatic showers and taps, and consider low surface temperature (LST) radiators or underfloor heating.
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Safe layouts: Remove trip hazards and ensure clear sight lines from bedroom to bathroom in residential or care settings.
These principles help make the bathroom easier to navigate, reducing the risk of falls and confusion while promoting confidence and independence.
Layout and Installation Guidance
For full Part M and BS 8300 compliance, the layout must allow adequate manoeuvring space for wheelchair users and provide grab rails in the correct positions.
Common requirements include:
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WC pan centreline 500 mm from the adjacent wall
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Horizontal grab rails at 680 mm height from the floor
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Vertical rails at 800 mm height, near the front edge of the WC and basin
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Basin mounted to allow wheelchair access underneath
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Emergency alarm pull cords positioned so they reach the floor
ASL provides installation guides and technical support to ensure that your Doc M Pack is fitted correctly the first time.
Cost of a Doc M Pack
The price of a Doc M Pack depends on:
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Left-hand or right-hand configuration
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Choice of grab rail finish and toilet seat colour
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Additional dementia-friendly upgrades
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Any extra fixtures beyond the standard set
Adding dementia-suitable features does not necessarily increase cost significantly – particularly if specified from the start of the project.
Choosing Between Left-Hand and Right-Hand Transfer Layouts
The choice between left-hand and right-hand Doc M Packs depends on the transfer direction from wheelchair to WC:
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Left-hand transfer – grab rails and transfer space are on the left side of the toilet
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Right-hand transfer – grab rails and transfer space are on the right side of the toilet
Selecting the correct layout is essential for both compliance and user comfort.
Maintenance & Longevity
ASL’s Doc M Packs are designed for long-term performance. All fittings are robust and easy to clean, and layouts can remain consistent for years – an important factor in dementia care, where familiarity supports independence.
Applications for Doc M Packs
Doc M Packs are essential for:
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Commercial buildings – meeting Equality Act obligations for staff and visitor facilities
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Public venues – ensuring accessible toilets in community centres, leisure facilities, restaurants and shops
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Care homes and supported living – combining compliance with dementia-friendly features
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Healthcare environments – supporting patient dignity and independence
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Local authority housing adaptations – improving safety and usability for residents
Why Choose Adaptation Supplies Limited
Full compliance: Every pack meets Doc M and BS 8300 requirements
Dementia-friendly options: Colour-contrasting fixtures, familiar controls, and non-slip surfaces
High-quality products: Supplied from trusted brands including AKW
Expert support: Technical advice, layout planning and installation guidance
Range of configurations: Left-hand and right-hand transfer options available
Explore Our Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Doc M Pack?
A Doc M Pack typically includes a raised height WC, colour-contrasting grab rails, a basin with lever taps, backrest, toilet roll holder, mirror, and alarm pull cord. At ASL, our packs meet Part M and BS 8300 requirements and can be specified with dementia-friendly options.
Do Doc M Packs meet dementia-friendly design standards?
While Doc M Packs are designed for accessibility compliance, selecting colour-contrasting fixtures, familiar controls, and non-slip surfaces makes them suitable for dementia-friendly bathrooms. ASL can advise on these upgrades.
Where are Doc M Packs required?
They are required in many public and commercial buildings, including offices, community centres, care facilities, and healthcare environments, to meet Part M and Equality Act obligations.
How do I know if I need a left-hand or right-hand Doc M Pack?
The choice depends on the transfer direction from wheelchair to WC. A left-hand pack places grab rails and transfer space on the left side of the toilet, and vice versa.
Can I customise the components in a Doc M Pack?
Yes – ASL offers a range of grab rail finishes, toilet seat colours, and tap styles so you can meet compliance requirements while tailoring the space to user needs.
Are Doc M Packs difficult to install?
No – they are designed for straightforward installation, and ASL provides layout drawings, technical guides, and support for contractors and installers.