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Sid Watkins Building

Aintree University Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L9 7BB

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow to use around the building.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There is not a/are not hearing assistance system(s) available.
  • Home visits services are not available.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 228cm x 460cm (7ft 6in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 62m (67yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Aintree Hospital Pay and Display car park.
    • The car park is located opposite the venue.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • On Street Parking and Drop-off Details View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The venue car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Payment should be made at the pay station in the hospital car park across the road from the building.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There are bollards outside this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 174cm.
    • The bollard(s) does/do not have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
    • 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 173cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main 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 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 low to moderate.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is not 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.
    • 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 a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is armchair seating.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • 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 moderate to good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
    • Seating is provided in some corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage includes some pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Amenities

Eating and Drinking (Café Qualita)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the ground floor near reception.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 97cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 71cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also high tables and long tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors 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 depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the ground floor next to reception.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the 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.
  • 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 poor.
  • The clear door width is 111cm (3ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 138cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second floor, however, there are not any Mersey Care services on the second floor.

Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on the first floor near the lift entrance.
    • The facility is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the first floor lift entrance.
    • There is level access into the facility, via lift.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 241cm x 292cm.
    • There is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • As you face the toilet the vertical grab rail is on the right.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is an elbow pad flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm.
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 159cm (5ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor near the café. The surveyed toilet is the door on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main 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 outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 172cm x 209cm (5ft 8in x 6ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • 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.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 86cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor near the café. The surveyed toilet is in the left door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main 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 outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 170cm x 206cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • 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.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • 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) and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 108cm.
    • 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).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • This toilet is also used as a standard toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the first floor lift entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Location of Toilet / Changing Facilities

  • Changing Places facilities are located on the first floor near the lift entrance.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, near the café entrance.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor near the lift entrance.