Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Leave the M61 motorway at junction 5 and take the A58 towards Wigan.
At the next roundabout take the A6 towards Walkden.
Carry on along the A6 for about a mile, then turn left at the junction and follow the A579 towards Bolton.
Cross over the motorway then take the first right onto Plodder Lane.
Continue along Plodder Lane for 1.5 miles then turn left into Redgate Way where the hospital will be signposted.
Carry on along this road and the hospital site will be ahead. - There are several open-air car parks available throughout the hospital site which provide standard and Blue-Badge parking.
There is a drop-off point immediately in front of the main hospital entrance.
- Leave the M61 motorway at junction 5 and take the A58 towards Wigan.
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By Bus
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- The nearest bus stops are immediately opposite the main entrance and are served by buses 501, 521 and 557. These provide direct services to Bolton, Farnworth, Blackrod, Little Lever, Westhoughton and Moses Gate.
- There is an onsite bus stop.
- The bus stops are located either side of the road directly opposite the main hospital entrance.
- The bus stops on both side of the road are sheltered.
There is a small amount of bench seating and there is sufficient room for a wheelchair user to wait. - The bus stops are between 50 and 75 metres from the main hospital entrance.
These are on either side of the main road that runs through the hospital site. A nearby pelican crossing allows access to the entrance from the bus stop on the far side of the road. This crossing has slight gradients down to the dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
For the nearer bus stop there is an unmarked crossing which also has slight gradients down to dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station is Moses Gate which is 1.7 miles away on Bolton Road. This station provides direct services to and from Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Wigan Wallgate, Southport, Rochdale, Clitheroe and Blackburn.
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Useful Links
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- Diamond Buses - Timetable 501.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Vision Buses - Timetable 521.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Moses Gate Station details.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Train timetable and fare information.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the left just after coming through the main hospital entrance.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01204 390 193.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
- Volunteers can be found opposite the main reception desk.
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print and different languages.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
- BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
- Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
- Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, walking frames, walking sticks, mobile hoists, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception desk.
- There is a Safe Place at this hospital which is located near J Block.
Hospital Parking (Mallet Car Park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located directly opposite the Maternity Unit entrance. A quiet access road runs between the two.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
- There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 470cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
- Payment machines are located next to the Maternity Unit entrance.
- There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
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Access to the Hospital
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 66m (72yd 6in) from the Maternity Unit entrance.
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Comments
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- To obtain free parking please ring 0333 123 1454, or visit the iFM Bolton Car Park Management office located at Shawcross House with your Blue Badge and full, correct vehicle registration to register for a permit until your Blue Badge expires.
Entrance (Stepped and Ramped Access to Car Park)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located opposite the Maternity Unit entrance’.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right across the road from the building entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located to the left across the road from the building entrance.
- There is/are 10 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).
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Comments
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- There are marked road crossings to access both access points from the building entrance.
Getting To (The Antenatal Day Unit)
- The Antenatal Day Unit is/are located on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit (M Block).
- Access to the Antenatal Day Unit is via the Maternity Unit entrance.
- After entering, go past the toilets then turn right.
Go to the end of the corridor, turn left then turn right and the Antenatal Day Unit will be straight ahead. - There is step free access to the Antenatal Day Unit.
- The Antenatal Day Unit is approximately 62m from the Maternity Unit entrance.
- There are resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is 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.
Outside Access
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Princess Anne Maternity Unit.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are bollards outside this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 208cm.
- The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 148cm (4ft 10in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- 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 109cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
- 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 100cm.
Opening Times (Antenatal Day Unit)
- Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Sunday 08:00 - 18:00.
Department / Service (Antenatal Day Unit)
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Department / Service Access
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- Antenatal Day Unit is located on the ground floor of the Maternity Unit (M Block).
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 145cm (4ft 9in).
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- There is level access throughout the department/service.
- There is no clear signage on the department/service.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The department/service does play background music.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, treatment rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
- There are 3 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is available.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are not trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/09/2022.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
- A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
- There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on the left as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the unit 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- 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 staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/09/2022.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Waiting Room / Area (Main)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 64m from the Maternity Unit entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 43cm.
- The surface height of the highest table is 74cm.
- The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not 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.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Scan Room 5)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Lounge 2)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are height adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are good.
Room / Area (Monitoring Area)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The room / area is approximately 7m from the unit entrance.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by loop.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does have background music playing.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a nurses station at a height of 90cm in this room.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the left and then the right after entering the unit.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 19m from the unit entrance.
- 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens inwards and outwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 262cm (5ft 4in x 8ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 79cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
- There is not 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 an emergency alarm.
- The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- 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 65cm (2ft 2in).
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
- 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 90cm.
- 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 132cm (4ft 4in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located to the left after reception then on the right.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 24m from the unit entrance.
- There is 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 not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the left of the wash basin.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the right as you enter the building.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor, to the left on exiting the lift.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the female and male toilets to the right as you enter the building.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Royal Bolton Hospital - Main Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Royal Bolton Hospital - M Block Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Royal Bolton Hospital - Parking Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Antenatal Clinic link (new tab) - click here.
