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Neonatal 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 (Maternity Car Park for Entrances 11 to 20)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital accessed via Floats Road.
    • 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 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).
  • 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 and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • 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 13.
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Maternity - Entrance 13.
  • Comments View
    • Concession Tickets are available from security in the Main Outpatients Entrance 5 lobby. 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.

Getting To (Neonatal Unit)

  • The Neonatal Unit is/are located on the first floor of the Blue Zone - Maternity Unit.
  • Access to the Neonatal Unit is via the USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit - Entrance 13.
  • Enter via the USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit entrance - Entrance 13 and bear left. Continue along the corridor to the lifts on the right. Take the lifts to the first floor. Exit the lift and turn right and right again. The entrance to the Neonatal Ward is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Neonatal Unit.
  • The Neonatal Unit is approximately 30m from the USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit - Entrance 13.
  • 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 (USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit - Entrance 13)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the hospital site off Floats Road.
    • 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.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 142cm.
    • 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 142cm.
    • 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 in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not 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 (L14 and L15)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the corridor to the left as you enter the USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the USHM Maternity and Newborn Unit 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.
  • 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 120cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 240cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 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.

Ward (Neonatal Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Neonatal ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • 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 ward reception desk is 124cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 not 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 corridor of the Maternity Unit - Blue Zone.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 24 hours for parents. 8:00 am to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 for all other visitors. Children (siblings) may only visit with parents.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Ward (Neonatal Unit - High Dependency Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an High Dependency ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 96cm.
    • 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.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not 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 corridor of the Maternity Unit - Blue Zone.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 24 hours for parents. 8:00 am to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 for all other visitors. Children (siblings) may only visit with parents.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Ward (Neonatal Unit - Special Care)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Special Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 5 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 96cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 not 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 corridor of the Maternity Unit - Blue Zone.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 24 hours for parents 8:00 am to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 for all other visitors. Children (siblings) may only visit with parents.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Ward (Neonatal Unit - Intensive Care)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Intensive Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 96cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 not 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 corridor of the Maternity Unit - Blue Zone.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 24 hours for parents 8:00 am to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 for all other visitors. Children (siblings) may only visit with parents.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Family Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 8m from the Neonatal Unit entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge 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 a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are sofas only.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is not a television.
  • 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.

Room / Area (Parents Bedroom)

  • There is / are 2 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Parent Bedroom 1.
  • 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.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Parents Bedroom 1)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Parents Bedroom 1.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 164cm (6ft 7in x 5ft 5in).
    • 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) 168cm 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 80cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 82cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not 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 not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a medium step.
  • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Parents/Visitors Toilets)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located next to the Neonatal Unit entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Neonatal Unit entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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