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 (Main Entrance Drop-off Point)
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located immediately in front of the main hospital entrance.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
Hospital Parking (Chadwick Car Park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located opposite the main hospital entrance.
- 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) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
- There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 450cm (7ft 7in x 14ft 9in).
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
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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 at the payment machines in the car park, throughout the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
- 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 inside the hospital building and close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
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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 dropped kerbs.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the main hospital entrance.
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Comments
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- Payment machines are also located adjacent to the car park entrance.
- To obtain free Blue Badge Parking patients and visitors should phone 0333 123 1454 or visit 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 (Chadwick Car Park Pedestrian Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located next to the payment machines.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
- The width of the door opening is 185cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located leading to the access point.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
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Comments
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- This entrance gives access to the payment machines.
Entrance (Chadwick Car Park Pedestrian Exit)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located in the corner of the Chadwick Car Park, at the junction of the two rows of Blue Badge Parking bays.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm.
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Comments
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- The surface here is mainly tarmac and is uneven.
Getting To (Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics)
- Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics is/are located on the first floor of F Block.
- Access to Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics is via the main hospital entrance.
- Enter via the main hospital entrance, continue past the reception on the left hand side and follow the corridor directly ahead.
Go through two sets of open double doors.
After the second set of doors turn left and immediately left again.
Take lift no.3 to the first floor.
Exit the lift and turn left and immediately left again.
Continue through a set of open double doors and Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics will be on the right. - There is step free access, via lift, to Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics.
- Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics is approximately 30m from the lift.
- There are not 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.
Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on Redgate Way.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is 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 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 133cm (4ft 4in).
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 116cm.
- 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 124cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
Other Floors (Next to Lift No. 3)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- 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 between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not 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.
Lift (No. 3)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the left along the corridor to K Block. It is the first lift you come to.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 67m (73yd 10in) from the main hospital entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 270cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 10in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Opening Times (Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics)
- Access is by appointment only.
Entrance (ENT, Maxillo Facial, Orthodontic and Audiology Unit)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of F Block.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- 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 but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 83cm.
Department / Service (Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics)
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Department / Service Access
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- Oral Maxillo Facial and Orthodontics is located on the first floor of F 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 double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- There is level access throughout the department/service.
- There is 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 not play background music.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, a sub waiting area, treatment rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
- There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is not available in the 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 to the right as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the department 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 portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not 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 31/08/2022.
- The hearing assistance system was not fully functional 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 provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- 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 good.
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Comments
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- Patients can check-in at the staffed reception or by using the self-serve touch screen.
- The touch screen pad is located to the right as you enter.
- The touch screen is at a height of 115cm.
Waiting Room / Area (Sub Area)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 15m from the department 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.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
- 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.
- There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The manoeuvring space is obstructed by chairs.
- 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 good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Oral Maxillo Facial)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 1.
- 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All 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 good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthodontic Surgery)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 2.
- 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.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All 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 good.
Room / Area (X-Ray Room)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; 24.
- The room / area is approximately 30m from the department 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.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are good.
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 in the department corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 8m from the department 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 written text 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 is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 207cm x 200cm (6ft 9in x 6ft 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 116cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are 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 134cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- 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 high.
- 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 medium.
- 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 156cm from the floor.
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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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 90cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 88cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 92cm (3ft).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 96cm.
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Comments
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- There are horizontal grab rails around the wash basin.
- There is a flip down baby seat at a height of 68cm in the toilet.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located in the main department corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the department 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.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin to the left.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The male toilet is located in the department corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the department 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 visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
- Lighting levels are good.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the left as you enter via the main hospital entrance, just after the main reception desk, within the Eatwell Restaurant, in the main hospital corridor between D and C Blocks and also within area 5, next to the chapel.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the left as you enter via the main hospital entrance, just after the reception desk.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located within the Eatwell Restaurant.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet near the main entrance and in both accessible toilets on the left of the main hospital corridor between D and C Blocks.
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 - Parking Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Audiology Unit link (new tab) - click here.
