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Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit

Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M23 9LT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The hospital is located in South Manchester and has motorway links from the M60 and M56. From the North & West: exit M60 at junction 5 (A5103 / M56), exit A5103 at A560. From the South: exit M56 at junction 3a (A560). From the East: exit M60 at junction 4 (M56), exit M56 at junction 2. If you are using a sat nav, enter postcode M23 9LT.
    • There are 5 car parks for the hospital accessed via Southmoor Road. The Main Car Park is opposite the Acute Block or Purple Zone by the Main Hospital Entrance - Entrance 3. The other car parks are the Nightingale Car Park, the Outpatients car park for Entrance 5, the Cardiac car park for Entrances 6 and 7 and the Paediatrics car park is for Entrance 10. The car park for the Maternity wing is accessed of Floats Road and is for Entrance 13. Parking for Blue Badge Holders is Free. There are pay stations in the following areas: Outpatients Department - Entrance 5, Main Hospital Entrance - Entrance 3, Nightingale Centre (located inside entrance to the building), Maternity - Entrance 13 and New Cardio - Entrance 7.
  • By Bus View
    • There are several services which run to the hospital and stop outside the Outpatients Department Entrance 5. They are 11, 19, 102, 278 and 368.
  • By Train View
    • The most convenient train station is Manchester Airport Train Station which is approximately 3.6 miles from the hospital. There are several bus and taxi services to get you to the hospital from this station.
  • By Tram View
    • The nearest tram stop to the hospital is Roundthorne and is a 10-15 minute walk to the hospital. It is tram number 6 on the F Line.
  • 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 to the right as you enter through Outpatients - Entrance 5.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0161 291 5600.
  • 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 on request.
  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Cardiac Car Park Entrances 6, 7, 8 and 10)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital to the right of Entrance 6.
    • 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 barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 430cm x 580cm.
    • 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 not a designated drop-off point.
  • 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, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • 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 at Entrance 7.
    • 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 67m (73yd 10in) from the North West Heart Centre Entrance 6.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep path leading from this car park to the North West Heart Centre Entrance 6.
    • Concession tickets are available from security in the Main Outpatients Entrance 5 lobby.
    • Car Parks for Entrances 7,8 and 10 are accessed via this entrance.
    • There are pay stations in the following areas: Outpatients Department - Entrance 5, Main Hospital Entrance - Entrance 3, Nightingale Centre (located inside entrance to the building), Maternity - Entrance 13, New Cardio - Entrance 7 and in every car park.

Hospital Parking (North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6 - Blue Badge Bays)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located in front of the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6.
    • 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 signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • 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 350cm x 600cm.
    • 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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 7m (7yd 1ft) from the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6.

Getting To (Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit)

  • The Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit is/are located on the first floor in the Yellow Zone.
  • Access to the Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit is via the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6.
  • Enter the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6 and continue to the rear of the foyer. Go through the double doors and turn left. Go through another set of double doors and continue to the end of the corridor. Turn right then go through another set of double doors. Turn left then go through another set of double doors. Take the lift to the first floor. Exit the lift and the Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit is located to the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit.
  • The Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit is approximately 5m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6 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.

Outside Access (North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front right of the hospital site.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 202cm.
    • 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 208cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located directly in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Other Floors (Stairwell Opposite Lift 25)

  • 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.
    • 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are varied.

Lift (Lift 25)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located North West Heart Centre X-Ray link corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 66m (72yd 6in) from the North West Heart Centre - Entrance 6.
  • 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 182cm x 275cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not 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.

Reception (Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located beyond the entrance doors to the right.
    • The reception point is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the entrance doors.
    • 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 moderate to good.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • The reception consists of a window with an intercom to the right side that patients and visitors can speak to staff.
    • The height of the intercom is 133cm.

Waiting Room / Area

  • The vending machine controls are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • Vending machines are 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.

Ward (Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Cardiothoracic Critical Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 31 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 heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • 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 140cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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 accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 to 16:00 and 18:00 to 20:00 Arrangements can be made for other times by application.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

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) inwards and 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 140cm x 324cm (4ft 7in x 10ft 8in).
    • The washroom does not 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) 170cm 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.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 140cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm.
    • 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 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 148cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 the right.
    • 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 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 twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Visitors)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead and to the left as you enter the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 214cm (5ft 7in x 7ft).
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not 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.
    • 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 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 130cm (4ft 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 130cm.
    • 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).
  • 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 fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors)

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