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Acute Kidney Unit - AKU

Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main hospital site is located in the city centre of Manchester on one of the busiest roads in the region. It can be accessed by car via the M56 and Princess Road or the A34 and Birchfields Road from the south or the M66/M60 and Rochdale Road from the north. The post code for SAT NAV is M13 9WL.
    • Parking can be in high demand at the main site so please allow time to find a space when you arrive. Car parking for patients and visitors is largely located in one of the two multi-storey car parks located at either the North East (Grafton Street Multi-storey) or South West (Hathersage Road Multi-storey) of the site. Each of these car parks provide parking for patient, visitor and staff car parking and operates a pay on foot system where customers make their payment for parking on exiting the car park. A very limited amount of parking is available in front of Accident and Emergency which is a pay and display car park There are no parking charges for: Disabled badge holders Relatives of Intensive Care/High Dependency Unit patients Frequent attenders (three or more times a week) Relatives of long stay patients If all disabled spaces are full, disabled badge holders may park in any normal car park space free of charge.
  • By Bus View
    • The main hospital on Oxford Road is very well served by buses. Twenty different routes from across Manchester all stop directly here. This includes the hospitals hybrid bus (the 147) which costs £1.50 for a day ticket and travels from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station via the Universities, stopping on site. The First Bus 18 Service from Langley stops on The Boulevard which is close to all main hospital entrances. There is also a 'Park and Ride' service from which you can take a free shuttle bus to the main hospital site and then walk or catch a 5 minute bus down Oxford Road to the Dental Hospital. The Trafford General Hospital shuttle runs from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. It departs from the main entrance of Trafford General Hospital towards the main hospital site on Oxford Road (and returns) approximately every 30 minutes.
  • By Train View
    • The closest railway stations are Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), approximately 1 mile away, and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), approximately 1.5 miles away. Both are a short walk, cycle or bus ride from the main hospital site on Oxford Road.
  • By Tram View
    • The nearest tram stop is at St Peter's Square at the north end of Oxford Road, approximately 1.5 miles away. This is a short walk, cycle or bus ride from the main hospital site on Oxford Road.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located inside the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0161 276 1234.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly in front of the main entrances to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Saint Mary's Hospital.
    • 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 clearly marked/signposted 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 305cm x 600cm.
    • 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 within the car park.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does 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 throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do not 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.
    • There is not 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).
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 72m (78yd 2ft) from the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest designated bay to Saint Mary's Hospital Main Entrance is 24m.
    • The nearest designated bay to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital Main Entrance is 38m.
    • There is a maximum 30 minute wait in the drop off zone.

Getting To (Acute Kidney Unit)

  • The Acute Kidney Unit is/are located inside Ward 36 on the first floor of Manchester Royal Infirmary.
  • Access to the Acute Kidney Unit is via the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2.
  • Enter via the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2; go straight down the corridor and through the double automatic doors. Take the lifts directly in front of you to the first floor. On exiting the lifts bear left and continue down the corridor. The entrance to Ward 36 and Ward 37 is located on the right. Report to Ward 36 reception. They will then escort you to the Acute Kidney Unit which is located at the rear of Ward 36.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Acute Kidney Unit.
  • The Acute Kidney Unit is approximately 35m from the Ward 36 and Ward 37 entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2)

  • 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 ramped/sloped 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 147cm.
    • 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 148cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located directly in front of the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance remains closed as of 16th June 2022 and may be subject to change. Please contact the venue directly for the most up to date information regarding available access routes.

Other Floors (Junction 5)

  • 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,1,2,3.
    • 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 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 (Lifts E)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the main hospital corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2.
  • 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,1,2,3.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 110cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 148cm.
  • 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

Entrance (Ward 36 and Ward 37 Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of Manchester Royal Infirmary.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • 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 172cm.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Monday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 18:00 - 20:00.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Renal ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
    • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor main corridor of the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor main corridor of the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital.

Washroom (Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • 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) sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 307cm x 220cm (10ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 130cm and 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is 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 74cm.
    • 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 110cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 107cm.
    • 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 47cm (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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 151cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 97cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 89cm.
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails 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 dropdown rail(s) 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The washroom door is a sliding Bi-fold door.

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