Access Guide
COVID-19 Information (Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Covid-19 Information)
- The information in this section was taken in January 2021.
- For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Exit the A14 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the Town Centre. Carry on past the Crematorium on the left. At the roundabout either take the right exit for Car Parks A and B, or go straight ahead on Rothwell Road past the Main Hospital site. Before the bridge use Car park D for Entrance 4 and the Treatment Centre. The post code to use for a Sat-Nav is NN16 8UZ.
- There are several car parks across the Hospital site but the 3 main ones are Car Parks A and B which service the main building and the Outpatients Departments and Car Park D which services the Treatment Centre. Car parks A and D are open-air and Car Park B is 2-tiered with limited accessible parking.
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By Bus
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- There are several Bus routes which stop outside the Hospital, they are; the X1 Corby provides a regular service from the Town Centre (Stagecoach); the number 19 Rothwell and Desborough (Stagecoach); the number 10 West Hunsbury, Northampton, Moulton, Holcot, Old, Mawsley and Broughton (Stagecoach); the X10 Market Harborough/Northampton (Stagecoach) and the number 34 Wellingborough (Centrebus) .
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By Train
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- The nearest train station is Kettering, it is approximately 0.5 miles from the Hospital which is a short 10 minute walk. There are several Taxi Services which run from the train station.
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Useful Links
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- Please see the link below for information on east midland trains.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the link below for information about Stagecoach Bus services.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the link below for information about Northamptonshire Travel.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the link below for the route from Kettering Train Station to the Hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the ground floor of the Main Hospital Building in the corridor to the right of the Main Hospital Reception.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01536 493 305.
- 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 do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Volunteers can be found at the Main Entrance and throughout the Main Hospital building corridors.
- No hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
- There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the green areas around the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- 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, mobile hoists and adjustable beds.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
Hospital Parking (Car Park A)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located in front of the Outpatients and Accident and Emergency 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.
- 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 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 550cm (7ft 7in x 18ft 1in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located opposite the Outpatients and Accident and Emergency Entrance, and opposite the Rockingham Wing.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 3 hours only.
- Payment machines are located throughout the car park and close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 115m (125yd 2ft) from the Outpatients and Accident and Emergency Entrance.
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Comments
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- Wheelchairs are available at the top of the Ramps.
- There are 6 parent and children bays within this car park.
Hospital Parking (Car Park B)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located at Entrance 1 off Rothwell Road, to the right of the Hospital site.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- 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 370cm x 600cm (12ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 3 hours only.
- Payment machines are located in the middle of the ground deck of the car park.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 13m (14yd 8in) from the Northfield House Entrance.
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Comments
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- Pedestrian Access to the upper deck is by steps only.
Getting To (Harrowden A)
- Harrowden A is/are located on the third floor of the Main Hospital building.
- Access to Harrowden A is via the Main Hospital Entrance.
- Enter via the Main Hospital Entrance and go straight ahead. When you get to the main reception go through the double doors to the left . Take the lifts to the third floor. Exit the lifts, go through the double doors to the left and then turn right down the corridor. The entrance to the Harrowden A is located straight ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Harrowden A.
- Harrowden A is approximately 25m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
- Wayfinding signage is 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)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are bollards outside this entrance.
- The bollard(s) has/have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- 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 single width.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm.
- 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 180cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
Other Floors (Main Hospital Stairs)
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Stairs
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- 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 LG,G,1,2,3,4.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not 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 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 (Main Hospital Entrance Lifts)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right of the Main Hospital reception.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 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 LG,G,1,2,3,4.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is fair.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
- The clear door width is 124cm (4ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 263cm (5ft 7in x 8ft 8in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Reception (Harrowden A)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located at the entrance to Harrowden A.
- The reception point is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the lift.
- 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 low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Waiting Room / Area (Relatives Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 45m from the ward entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is not available.
- There is 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.
Ward (Harrowden A)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Respiratory ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 7 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 27 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 medium.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 86cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is a relatives' room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
- There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor near the Main Hospital Entrance.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor at the Main Hospital Entrance.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 12.00 to 19.30.
Washroom (Shower Room)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 6 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located in Bay 4.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
- 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 223cm x 320cm (7ft 4in x 10ft 6in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 168cm 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 123cm.
- 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 both sides.
- 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 100cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- The height of the shower head is 201cm (6ft 7in).
- 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is poor.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Related Access Guides
- To view other access guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Main Entrance - Main Building/Cardiac Centre and Foundation Wing link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.