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Skylark Ward

Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 8UZ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • 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.
  • By Bus View
    • 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).
  • By Train View
    • 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.
  • Useful Links View

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)

  • Parking View
    • 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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.
  • Paying View
    • 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).
  • Access to the Hospital 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.

Getting To (Skylark Ward)

  • Skylark Ward is/are located on the second floor of the Foundation Wing.
  • Access to Skylark Ward is via the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Hospital Entrance, continue ahead and turn right at reception. Continue ahead into the Foundation Wing and take the lifts located on the right to the second floor. Exit the lift turn right and go through the double doors. Skylark Ward is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Skylark Ward.
  • Skylark Ward is approximately 13m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Main Hospital Entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Main Hospital 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 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 minimum width between the bollards/wall is 177cm.
    • 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 a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • 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 (Foundation Wing Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • 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 G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth 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 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 (Foundation Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Foundation Wing.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) 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 G, 1 and 2.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open 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 good.
  • The clear door width is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 274cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 12in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Children's ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 16 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 26 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • 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.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 113cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does 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 not 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 medium.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is 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 bright.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/ward.
    • The ward does play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • 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 near the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 24 hours for parents and siblings and other visitors between 13:00 - 19:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

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 ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 180cm x 218cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 2in).
    • 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 145cm 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 81cm.
    • 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.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 143cm.
    • 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 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 60cm.
    • 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.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 poor.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • 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 good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Bay Toilet and Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 221cm x 337cm (7ft 3in x 11ft 1in).
    • 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 also a push button alarm system in this washroom.
    • 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 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.
    • 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 height of the towel dispenser is 142cm.
    • 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 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 153cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • 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 103cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 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 bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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 opposite the ward reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 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 94cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 medium.

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