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 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 Emergency Department and Urgent Care 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 472cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 6in).
- 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 Emergency Department and Urgent Care 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.
- 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 Emergency Department and Urgent Care 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.
- The height of the payment machine controls are between 78cm to 112cm high and to access them there is an opening that is 99cm wide.
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 .
- 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.
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.
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 hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance 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 red 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 moderate to good.
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) may be difficult to open.
- 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.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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 high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 131cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 138cm x 241cm.
- 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 assistance system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Toilet with Adaptations (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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- 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 poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- 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 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.
- Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.