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Albany Lodge

Church Crescent, St Albans , Hertfordshire , AL3 5JB

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • This is an inpatient unit property.
  • Services within the building include: adult inpatient service.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Albany Lodge is situated to the North of St Albans City Centre.
      The site is located off Church Crescent. The site can be accessed from the M1 to the West via Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead Road, Batchwood Drive, Folly Lane and Church Crescent and the A1 to the East via the A1057, Oaklands Lane, Sandpit Lane, Stonecross, Grange Street, Carlisle Street, Folly Lane and Church Crescent.
    • Blue Badge and standard parking is available for staff and visitors.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop is Cannon Street located on Folly Lane and is approximately 100 metres from the main entrance, the 34, 300 and S7 services stop here.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest station to the Albany Lodge is St Albans City. Albany Lodge is 0.9 miles from the train station via Church Crescent, Verulam Road and Holywell Hill (10 min drive).
  • Useful Links View

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, different languages on request and audio on request.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow to aid transferring around the building.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • Home visits services are not available.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • Controls at the barrier are within the range of 100cm to 110cm.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 310cm x 440cm (10ft 2in x 14ft 5in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park 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 level changes with no dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is concrete tiles and tarmac and block paving.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 15:30 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 15:30 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 15:30 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 15:30 - 20:00.
  • Friday 15:30 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 11:00 - 20:00.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 85cm .
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left and right and the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • 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.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located In front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in front of you as you enter the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) 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 no 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 02/10/2019.
    • The hearing assistance system was 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 obstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a 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 medium.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the ground floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is 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 not provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding 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 play background music in public areas.
    • Music is played in the reception and waiting areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is located at the main reception.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 02/10/2019.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an community mental health ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 24 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

Washroom (Ensuite Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) does not/do not have a lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 168cm x 227cm (5ft 6in x 7ft 5in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is push. 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 117cm.
    • 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 not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 101cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 92cm.
    • 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 head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are low.

Washroom (Ward Shower and Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 197cm x 177cm (6ft 6in x 5ft 10in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is push. 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 114cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 126cm.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 91cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • The height of the shower head is 191cm (6ft 3in).
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Ward Bath and Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 228cm x 166cm (7ft 6in x 5ft 5in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is push. 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 118cm.
    • 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 not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 77cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for 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 103cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 61cm (2ft).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is push. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Visitor Toilets)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the corridor on the left side of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is 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 156cm x 187cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 the right.
    • There is 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.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) 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.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 push.
    • 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 105cm.
    • 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Toilets)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.