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Orthotics

Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0JR

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • 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.
  • By Bus View
    • 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.
  • By Train View
    • 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.
  • Useful Links View

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 (N Block)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly in front of the building.
    • 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.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 231cm x 480cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • 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.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • 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 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Acute Therapies entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 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.

Getting To (Orthotics)

  • Orthotics is/are located on the first floor of N Block.
  • Access to Orthotics is via the Acute Therapies / Workforce Directorate / Employee Service Centre entrance.
  • After entering the Acute Therapies / Workforce Directorate / Employee Service Centre entrance take the lift on the right up to the first floor.
    On exiting the lift go straight ahead and then turn right and the Orthotics department is straight ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Orthotics.
  • Orthotics is approximately 15m from the lift.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Acute Therapies / Workforce Directorate / Employee Service Centre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the Blue Badge bays.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do 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 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • 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 141cm.
    • 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) 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 176cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is 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 the right going up the ramp.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • 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 the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 high.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 250cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 2in).
  • 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

Opening Times (Orthotics)

  • Monday 08:45 - 16:15.
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 16:15.
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 16:15.
  • Thursday 08:45 - 16:15.
  • Friday Closed.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Orthotics / Pelvic Health Physiotherapy)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of Block N.
    • 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 143cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • The main 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 168cm.

Department / Service (Orthotics)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Orthotics is located on the first floor of N Block.
    • 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 flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a waiting room/area, a treatment room, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 1 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the department entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • 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.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 40cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 40cm.
  • The tables do not 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • The waiting room is situated in the Orthotics corridor.
    • Patients arriving at the department should knock on the Orthotics office door, wait for assistance and then take a seat in the corridor.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthotics Clinic Room)

  • 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) 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 a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • 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 does not have background music playing.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the department corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m from the department entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female 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.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 275cm x 169cm (9ft 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 100cm 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 100cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • 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 and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 161cm and 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 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 cannot 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • 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 95cm.
    • 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • The light switch is on the wall outside the facility.

Washroom (Assisted Shower - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
    • The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the corridor on the left.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 276cm x 262cm (9ft 1in x 8ft 7in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The light switch is on the wall outside the facility.
    • Even though the washroom is labelled as male it is a shared facility.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the right as you enter the department.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m from the department 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.
    • The toilet seats have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have horizontal wall mounted grab rails.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • There are dropdown rails available on both sides of the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to 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.

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