Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Altrincham General Hospital is located in a busy town centre and has no designated car-parking facilities. If you choose to travel by car please allow extra time for traffic and finding a nearby public car park. The SAT-NAV post code for the Hospital is WA14 2RQ.
- Disabled patients can secure an underground car parking space in advance by calling the hospital prior to their appointment on 0161 413 7700. The nearest pay and display car park is Goose Green, Denmark Street, WA14 2FF. Public parking is also available on Oakfield Road (WA15 8EW) and Balmoral Road (WA15 8HJ).
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By Bus
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- The hospital is a 10 minute walk from the bus interchange. For more information about local bus services please visit the Altrincham Interchange link below.
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By Train
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- The Nearest Train station is Altrincham Train Station. The hospital is a 10 minute walk from the train interchange. For more information about local rail services please visit the Altrincham Interchange link below.
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By Tram
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- The hospital is a 10 minute walk from the tram interchange. For more information about local tram services please visit the Altrincham Interchange Link below.
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Useful Links
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- Altrincham Interchange Link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Plan your Journey Web page.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Traveline Web Link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Transport for sick children website.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in Trafford General Hospital.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0161 746 2019.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request and different languages on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on 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.
- A limited number of wheelchairs are available at each Hospital entrance.
Nursing staff complete an e-learning course to assist with treating patients with learning disabilities.
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Comments
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- Some departments operate an appointment based system.
- As such, some of the waiting room chairs are not available and have crosses indicating this.
- Should patients be partially sighted or blind staff can escort patients as required upon request.
Hospital Parking (Renal Patients and Accessible Parking)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located on the lower ground floor under the main hospital building.
- The car park type is underground.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- Controls at the barrier are not within the range of 100cm to 110cm.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- There is a/are clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
- There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 450cm x 600cm.
- There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
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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 unaided.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift lobby entrance in the car park.
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Comments
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- Disabled patients can secure an underground car parking space in advance by calling the hospital prior to their appointment on 0161 413 7700.
Getting To (Audiology & ENT Clinic)
- The Audiology & ENT Clinic is/are located on the first floor of Altrincham Hospital.
- Access to the Audiology & ENT Clinic is via the Main Hospital Entrance.
- Enter via the Main Hospital Entrance and continue straight ahead, the main reception is on the left. Bear right through a set of double doors into the lift lobby. Take the lift to the first floor. On exiting the lift bear left through a set of double doors then bear left. The entrance to the Audiology & ENT Clinic is located in front of you.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Audiology & ENT Clinic.
- The Audiology & ENT Clinic is approximately 12m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 124cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm 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 125cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- 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 left going up.
- The width of the ramp is 107cm.
- The ramp/slope bypasses bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located to the left as you face the entrance.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG,G,1,2,3.
- 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the main reception corridor.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 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 LG,G,1,2,3.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 140cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 142cm x 250cm.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is 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 not 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.
Opening Times (Audiology & ENT)
- Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Entrance (Audiology & ENT & Phlebotomy - Blood Tests)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of Altrincham Hospital.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is a door release button but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to exit.
- 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 168cm.
Reception (Outpatients Clinics)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on the first floor.
- The reception point is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- 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 not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 07/11/2022.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
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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.
- There is bench seating and single seats with armrests.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does not 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 available.
- A water dispenser is available.
- There is a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- This venue does not play background music.
- 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.
Waiting Room / Area (Audiology)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 26m from the Audiology & ENT Entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- All chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- 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.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Audiology 1)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Audiology 3.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some 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 (Audiology 2)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Audiology 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All 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 (Consultation)
- There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consult Exam 15.
- 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some 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.
Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Waiting Area - 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 next to the reception desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Outpatients Clinics entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 183cm x 336cm (6ft x 11ft).
- 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 118cm (3ft 10in).
- 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 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 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 for the toilet.
- 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 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
- 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 122cm.
- 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 fair.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Reception)
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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 Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in reception waiting area.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Outpatients Clinics entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the reception waiting area.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Outpatients Clinic entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located as you enter the reception waiting area.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Outpatients Clinics link (new tab) - click here.
- Altrincham Hospital Building link (new tab) - click here.