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Ward E3

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 (Main Entrance Drop-off Point)

  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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)

  • Parking View
    • 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).
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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)

  • Entrance Details View
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the access point.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the payment machines.

Entrance (Chadwick Car Park Pedestrian Exit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The surface here is mainly tarmac and is uneven.

Getting To (Ward E3)

  • Ward E3 is/are located on the first floor.
  • Access to Ward E3 is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and continue past the reception on the left hand side.
    Follow the corridor directly ahead.
    Go through two sets of open double doors.
    After the second set of doors turn right and immediately right again.
    Take lift no.4 to the first floor.
    Exit the lift and turn right.
    Continue through a set of open double doors.
    Turn left and Ward E3 will be straight ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward E3.
  • Ward E3 is approximately 20m 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)

  • Entrance Details View
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Other Floors (Next to Lift No. 3)

  • 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 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. 4)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left along the corridor to A 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 69m (75yd 1ft) 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 not 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.

Entrance (E3 & E4)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access 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 160cm.

Ward (E4)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an surgical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 25 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • 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 (5ft 7in).
    • 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 100cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • The type of system is a portable 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 12/09/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • It was not possible to access the side rooms at the time of survey (August 2022).
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located past the reception at the main hospital entrance.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located past the reception at the main hospital entrance.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
    • Protected meal times are between 11:30-12:30 and 16:30-17:30.

Washroom (Patients - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 234cm x 170cm (7ft 8in x 5ft 7in).
    • The washroom does not 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 a/are coat hook(s) 155cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is 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 122cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 133cm.
    • 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).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 180cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 111cm.
    • 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 have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Patients - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the ward corridor.
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 240cm x 145cm (7ft 10in x 4ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 97cm 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 185cm.
    • 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 not 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.
    • There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 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 high.
    • 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 124cm.
    • 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 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

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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