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.
- 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.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:30 - 16:30.
- Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30.
- Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30.
- Thursday 08:30 - 16:30.
- Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Outside Access (Centenary Wing)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the hospital site.
- 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 a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 151cm (4ft 11in).
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 137cm (4ft 6in).
- The main 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 77cm.
- 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 141cm.
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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.
- 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.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left on entering.
- The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Centenary Wing 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 not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- The seats have an armrest on one side only.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does 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 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.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in reception.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Room / Area (Quiet Room)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist is not available.
- 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.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room 1)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist is not available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room 2)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination Room 2.
- 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is not available.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Area)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Area.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- Level access is by lift.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
- 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 adjustable.
- A hoist is not available.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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 the ground floor.
- 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 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 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located straight ahead on entering.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Centenary Wing entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- 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 good.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
- The clear door width is 131cm (4ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 138cm x 241cm (4ft 6in x 7ft 11in).
- There are 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 loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Accessible Toilet (Left 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right of reception.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Centenary Wing entrance.
- 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 twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 138cm x 251cm (4ft 6in x 8ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 62cm (2ft).
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- The tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary, general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 113cm.
- 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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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right of reception.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Centenary Wing entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- 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.