Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- 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.
- The main hospital site is located in the city centre of Manchester on one of the busiest roads in the region.
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By Bus
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- 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.
- The main hospital on Oxford Road is very well served by buses.
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By Train
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- 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.
- The closest railway stations are Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), approximately 1 mile away, and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), approximately 1.5 miles away.
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By Tram
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- 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. - For a personalised rail timetable, simply click the link below and enter your starting station, destination (MCO or MAN) and travel time.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Transport for Sick Children is a registered charity working throughout Greater Manchester and helping children to reach their hospital appointments.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The nearest tram stop is at St Peter's Square at the north end of Oxford Road, approximately 1.5 miles away.
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 (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)
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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 outside the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance off East Road.
- 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 592cm.
- There is 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 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 directly in front of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
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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 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).
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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 dropped kerbs.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance.
Getting To (PICU)
- PICU is/are located on the first floor of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
- Access to PICU is via the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital main entrance.
- Enter via the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital main entrance, bear left and continue to the rear of the atrium.
Bear right to lift L.
Take a lift to the first floor.
Exit the lift, turn left and continue to the end of the corridor.
Bear right, continue to the end of the corridor and enter through the Critical Care entrance doors on the left.
Continue along the corridor and the entrance to PICU is on the right. - There is step free access, via lift, to PICU.
- PICU is approximately 45m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lift and the department/service.
- There are resting areas along the route.
- 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 (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located to the right of the hospital building off East Road.
- There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
- 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 not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 127cm (4ft 2in).
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 122cm (4ft).
- 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.
Other Floors (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Atrium)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
- 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 second lower handrail.
- 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.
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Comments
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- The lower hand rail is on the right hand side only going up.
Lift (Lift L)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital corridor junction.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Main 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, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the first floor, on the second floor, on the third floor, on the fourth floor, on the fifth floor and on the sixth floor.
- 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 medium.
- The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 270cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 10in).
- 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 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.
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Comments
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- Some floors have clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor, however not on the ground floor.
- The lift doors are identified with large letters.
Entrance (Critical Care Unit)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the 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 not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm (3ft 10in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm.
Opening Times (Visiting Times)
- This ward is open 24 hours.
Ward (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Intensive Care ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 21 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 148cm (4ft 10in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 124cm (4ft 1in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm (4ft).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 112cm (3ft 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 adjustable.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
- 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.
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Example Side Room
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- 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 have a ceiling track hoist.
- The hoist covers the bed.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is 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 medium.
- The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
- 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 bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are moderate to good.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the Critical Care Unit corridor.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the Critical Care Unit corridor.
Room / Area (Critical Care Unit - Family Room)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Family 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) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room / area does have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- The Family Room is for families visiting the Burns Service, PICU or PHDU.
Washroom (Bathroom)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the area.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 181cm x 346cm (5ft 11in x 11ft 4in).
- 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 is a/are coat hook(s) 130cm 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 85cm.
- 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 142cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 78cm.
- 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 88cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Bath Details
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- There is a bath.
- The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 57cm (1ft 10in).
- The height of the shower head is 145cm (4ft 9in).
- The bath is not height adjustable.
- The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is a mixer tap.
- There is a shower over/for the bath.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
- A bath hoist is not available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Critical Care Unit - 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the Critical Care Unit.
- 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 by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 188cm x 228cm (6ft 2in x 7ft 6in).
- 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
- 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 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.
- 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 can 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 medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- 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 fair.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Building link (new tab) - click here.
- Burns Service link (new tab) - click here.