Access Guide
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.
- Exit the A14 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the Town Centre.
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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, which 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.
- The nearest train station is Kettering, it is approximately 0.5 miles from the Hospital which is a short 10 minute walk.
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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 can be found at the main entrance and throughout the main hospital building corridors.
- 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 D)
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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 Treatment Centre.
- 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) markings are faded.
- There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 383cm x 460cm (12ft 7in x 15ft 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 in front of the Treatment Centre.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the 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 payment machines in the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located at the side of the car park.
- There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
- 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 uneven surfaces.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Treatment Centre main entrance.
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Comments
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- There are 12 assisted parking bays to the side of the car park on the access road for permit holders only.
- The sizes of the assisted bays varies.
Outside Access (Ashton Ward Ground Floor Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Treatment Centre.
- 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 140cm .
- 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 double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 157cm.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 157cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
Ward (Ashton Ward)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Elective ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 24 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is clear signage on the ward.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 90cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
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Example Side Room
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- There are no side rooms available with 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 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 high.
- The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
- 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 shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the Treatment Centre.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 13:30 to 20:30.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
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Comments
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- Ashton Ward is spread over two floors. The entrance detailed above is the internal ward entrance located on the first floor of the Treatment Centre.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single 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.
- 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 clearly marked.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are not 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located straight ahead as you enter Ashton Ward Ground Floor entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Ashton Ward Ground Floor 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.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the first floor.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 131cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 270cm.
- 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 not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is low.
Washroom (Ensuite Toilet and Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is 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 locking handle.
- The door(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 204cm x 195cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 143cm 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 80cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
- 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 99cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm.
- 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- 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 95cm.
- 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 is height adjustable.
- 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 54cm (1ft 9in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
- The shower tray is accessed via a shallow step.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom (Ward Toilet and Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
- The door(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 417cm x 268cm (13ft 8in x 8ft 10in).
- 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is 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 80cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is twist/turn. 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 100cm.
- 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 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 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 95cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 157cm.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm.
- 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 is height adjustable.
- 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 55cm (1ft 10in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
- The shower tray is accessed via a shallow step.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Toilet - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the right on entering.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 230cm (5ft 4in x 7ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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 132cm (4ft 4in).
- 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).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed 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.
- Treatment Centre link (new tab) - click here.