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Outpatients - Building Guide

Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Outpatients Building)

  • Outpatients is/are located at the far end of the new building.
  • Access to Outpatients is via the main entrance.
  • After entering the hospital, proceed straight ahead past the main reception desk.
    When you get to the escalator turn left and follow the corridor.
    The Outpatients building is at the end of the corridor.
  • There is step free access to Outpatients.
  • Outpatients is approximately 251m from the main entrance.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is an alternative entrance on Falls Road.

Parking (Main Entrance - Blue Badge Parking and Drop-Off)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located opposite the Main Entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 265cm (width) x 730cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 140cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 11m from the Main Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • The access road for the Blue Badge bays and the drop-off point is between the Blue Badge bays and the Main Entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is restricted to 1 hour.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the right of the main accessible hospital entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the hospital, opposite the Blue Badge bays.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 114cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 134cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 171cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 139cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance (Level 1 - to Outpatients Building from New Building)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the end of the level 1 corridor in the new building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.

Entrance (Level 2 - to Outpatients Building from New Building)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the end of the level 2 corridor of the new building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 146cm.

Outside Access (Falls Road Entrance - Level 3)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Falls Road.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 129cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is no drop off or car park near this entrance.

Reception (Falls Road Entrance - Level 3)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on level 3, on the right as you enter from the Falls Road entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Falls Road entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is obstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating only.
    • All tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Getting Around (Outpatients Building)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are provided in some corridors.
    • Seating is provided in some corridors.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Lift (Outpatients Building)

  • The lift surveyed is located at the far end of the main hospital corridor.
  • The distance from the Main Entrance is 226m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • Levels 2 to 9 of the Outpatient building are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 140cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 170cm (width) x 280cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Other Floors (Outpatients Building)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are level 1, level 2, level 3, level 5, level 6, level 7, level 8 and level 9.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 7 - No Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Outpatients corridor, opposite the lifts.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m from the level 7 lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 170cm (4ft 8in x 5ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 104cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 41cm (1ft 4in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 129cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 7)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the corridor opposite the lifts.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m from the level 7 lift entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the left of each wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 91cm.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the corridor opposite the level 7 lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m from the level 7 lift.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basins.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • Diagonal grab rails with a good colour contrast are available in the toilet cubicles.

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