Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Children's Hydrotherapy Pool

Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

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.
      Note that the roads surrounding the site will face disruption over the next few years due to works associated with the Bus Priority Package.
      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: Blue 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, Blue 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

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 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 entrances to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Saint Mary's Hospital off The Boulevard.
    • 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 parking area.
    • 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 24m (26yd 9in) from the Saint Mary's Hospital Main Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest designated bay to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital Entrance is 38m.
    • The nearest designated bay to the Manchester Royal Infirmary Entrance 2 is 72m.
    • There is a maximum 30 minute wait in the drop off zone.

Getting To (Children's Hydrotherapy Pool)

  • The Children's Hydrotherapy Pool is/are located in the Therapy and Dietetic Services on the ground floor of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
  • Access to the Children's Hydrotherapy Pool is via the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance and continue along the atrium past W H Smith to the Therapy and Dietetic Services on the left. Enter through the double doors and turn right to the Reception desk. The entrance to the Children's Hydrotherapy Pool is located ahead.
  • There is step free access to the Children's Hydrotherapy Pool.
  • The Children's Hydrotherapy Pool is approximately 26m from the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly 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.
  • 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 (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the hospital building off East Road.
    • 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.
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 275cm.
    • 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 177cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a barrier in the foyer between the doors to separate people on entry and exit.
    • There are mask dispensers available at 135cm high.

Entrance (Therapy and Dietetic Services)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
    • 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 hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • The main 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 180cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Therapy and Dietetic Services 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 not 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.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not 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 provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and concrete.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • 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 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 medium.

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.

Department / Service (Children's Hydrotherapy Pool)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Children's Hydrotherapy Pool is located in the Therapy and Dietetic Services on the ground floor of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • 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 81cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and tiles.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; sub waiting areas, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, standard toilet facilities and a treatment room.
    • There are 1 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
    • Standard toilet facilities are located Patients may use the accessible toilet as a standard toilet.

Waiting Room / Area (Sub Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 8m from the Children's Hydrotherapy Pool department 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.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • 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 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Children's Hydrotherapy Pool)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Hydrotherapy Pool.
  • 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 double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The type of flooring is tiles.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is not adjustable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook.
  • There is not a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The hoist is fixed and designed to lower patients into the pool.

Standard Changing Cubicle / Room (Changing Area)

  • The changing cubicle/room is located to the right on entering the Children's Hydrotherapy Pool area.
  • The changing cubicle/room is 3m from the sub waiting room/area.
  • There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 81cm.
  • The type of flooring in the room is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the cubicle/room.
  • There are chairs without armrests.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 148cm from the floor.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm, but the pull cord is out of reach (10cm+ from the floor).
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There are two showers within the changing room. The showers are adjustable in height, have twist/turn controls and vertical grab rails either side of the shower. The colour contrast of the rail rails is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the Changing Room area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Changing Room entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 238cm x 216cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 114cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 480cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 126cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 114cm.
    • 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Related Access Guides