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ARC

Ferndene, Prudhoe, Northumberland, NE42 5PB

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow to use around the building.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There is a/are hearing assistance system(s) available.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 28/02/2022.
  • The hearing loop was not working at the time of testing.
  • Home visits services are available.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 229cm x 460cm (7ft 6in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking and Drop-off Details View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located on the main road, opposite the building.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • There is not tactile paving on the dropped kerb.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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 bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • 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 single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.

Getting Around

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

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is 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 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 28/02/2022.
    • 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is tiles.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are available.
    • A water dispenser is 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.

Entrance (Ward Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of reception.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.

Eating and Drinking (Café Amelia)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
    • The cafĂ© is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the cafĂ©.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is only played at certain times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 84cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Sports Hall)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Sports Hall.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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.
  • No 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.

Fitness Suite (Gym)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located within the sports hall.
    • The fitness suite is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are double.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 156cm (5ft 1in) wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Conference / Meeting Facilities (Room 1)

  • Conference/meeting facilities are available.
  • The conference/meeting facilities are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the conference/meeting facilities.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room(s).
  • The lighting levels in the room(s) are good.

Outside Access (Pod 1)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building, opposite the wards.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 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 single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left 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 both sides going up the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (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).

Consultation / Treatment Room (Pod 1)

  • There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Pod 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.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet and 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 some chairs with armrests available.
  • No 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.

Place of Worship / Prayer Room (Pod 1)

  • The Prayer Room is located within Pod 1.
  • There is step-free access to the Prayer Room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The type of flooring in the room is carpet.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
  • There are chairs without armrests.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • Background music is not played in the room.
  • There is not a speaker system in the room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels in the room are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception as you enter via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from main reception.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 81cm.