Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Gainsford House - Adult Rehabilitation Service

Gainsford House, Pirton Road , Hitchin , Hertfordshire , SG5 2EN

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Summary

  • This is an inpatient unit property.
  • Services within the building include: Adult Rehabilitation Services.

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, different languages 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.
  • Home visits services are not available.

Parking (Gainsford House Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the venue.
    • 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 228cm x 508cm (7ft 6in x 16ft 8in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is a drop-off point available at the front of the car park.

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 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 bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 168cm (5ft 6in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • 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 leading from the car park to the Main Entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not 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 width of the ramp is 100cm.

Ward (Gainsford House - Adult Rehabilitation Service)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an community mental health ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is not a/are not door(s) leading into the ward.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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 moderate to good.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • 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 not sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • 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 moderate to good.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is good.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are moderate to good.
  • 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 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.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 - 20:30.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 8:30 - 9:30
      12:30 - 13:15
      17:00 - 18:00.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Visitor / Quiet Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 10m from the Main Entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is not always open.
  • The day room is open on request.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is tiles.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 38cm (1ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinic Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 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 not adjustable.
  • 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

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 unit.
    • This washroom is male.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 158cm x 356cm (5ft 2in x 11ft 8in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm system in this washroom.
    • There is not a red 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 79cm.
    • 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 93cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 99cm.
    • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 277cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 104cm.
    • 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.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 62cm (2ft).
    • There are 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 colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two bedrooms without ensuite facilities.

Washroom (Toilet and Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 5+ washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the corridor on the left side of the ward.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is male.
    • There is pictorial and 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 350cm x 280cm (11ft 6in x 9ft 2in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm system in this washroom.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 180cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is 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 78cm.
    • 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 126cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 112cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • 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 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is 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 fair.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (No Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the corridor on the left side of the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 130cm x 174cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 left.
    • 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.
    • 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 80cm (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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the main corridor of the ward.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.