You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The Brooker Centre is located next to Halton Hospital in Runcorn.
    The Brooker Centre can be accessed via the A533 (Southern Expressway).
    The post code for sat-nav is WA7 2DA.
  • Paid parking is available onsite at the hospital through a number plate recognition scheme, and is managed by the NHS trust that runs Halton Hospital (Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust).
    There is a payment machine inside the main reception of The Brooker Centre, which will ask you to enter your car registration number.
    You do not need to display your ticket in your car.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop along Palacefields which is approximately 0.1 miles (3 minute walk) from The Brooker Centre.
    The service routes that stop here are the 1, 2, 3A, 3C, 3D, 51, 52, 61, 62, 62A, 70, 79C, 82A, 110, C51, H20, H20A, X1 and the X30.
• By Train View
  • The nearest train station is Runcorn East which is approximately 1.4 miles (29 minute walk) away.
• Useful Links View
  • For the Google Map location information please click on the link below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • For bus service information please click on the link below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • For bus service information please click on the link below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • For train service information please click on the link below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
• British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow to use around the building.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There is a/are hearing assistance system(s) available.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/05/2022.
• The hearing loop was not working at the time of testing.
• Home visits services are available.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park is located to the right of the Brooker Centre entrance.
  • 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 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 490cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Brooker Centre entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 103m (112yd 1ft) from the Brooker Centre entrance.
  • 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 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.
• On Street Parking and Drop-off Details View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

You are on Getting To (Bridge Ward). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Bridge Ward)

• Bridge Ward is/are located on the ground floor of the Brooker Centre.
• Access to the Bridge Ward entrance is via the Brooker Centre main entrance.
• Enter the Brooker Centre via the main entrance and the entrance to Bridge Ward is located on the right.
• There is step free access to Bridge Ward.
• Bridge Ward is approximately 5m from the Brooker Centre main entrance.
• There are not resting areas along the route.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

You are on Outside Access (The Brooker Centre Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (The Brooker Centre Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of The Brooker Centre.
  • 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.
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 129cm (4ft 3in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
  • 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 169cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.

You are on Reception (The Brooker Centre). Skip to the next section.

Reception (The Brooker Centre)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located ahead from the Brooker Centre entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Brooker Centre 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 moderate to good.
  • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/05/2022.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • 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.

You are on Entrance (Bridge Ward Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Bridge Ward Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Brooker Centre.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.

You are on Ward (Bridge Ward). Skip to the next section.

Ward (Bridge Ward)

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an mental health ward.
  • This is a male ward.
  • There is/are 17 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 17 bed(s) on this ward in total.
• Ward Access View
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • There is level access throughout the ward.
  • There is no clear signage on the ward.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and wood.
  • 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 moderate to good.
• Relatives' Room View
  • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
  • 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.
  • There are accessible washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
  • There are accessible toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • There are washrooms suitable for ambulant disabled patients available on the ward.
  • Toilets suitable for ambulant disabled patients are available on the ward.
• Visitor Facilities View
  • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

You are on Eating and Drinking. Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the refectory.
  • The refectory is located ahead from the ward entrance, on the left side of the corridor.
  • There is step-free access to the refectory.
• Service and Menus View
  • 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.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not 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 90cm.
• 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Room / Area (TV Lounge). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (TV Lounge)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; TV Lounge.
• The room / area is approximately 7m from the ward entrance.
• 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 light.
• The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
• 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.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Day Room / Lounge Area. Skip to the next section.

Day Room / Lounge Area

• There is a day room/lounge area.
• The day room/lounge area is approximately 25m from the ward entrance.
• There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
• The day room/lounge area is always open.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There are armchairs only.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• There is a television.
• Subtitles are 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.

You are on Room / Area (Gym Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Gym Room)

• There is / are 3 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Gym Room.
• The room / area is approximately 2m from the ward entrance.
• There is level access to the room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are light.
• The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is not a chair.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Room / Area (Games Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Games Room)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Games Room.
• The room / area is approximately 20m from the ward entrance.
• 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 light.
• 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.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Room / Area (Activity Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Activity Room)

• There is / are 3 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Activity Room.
• The room / area is approximately 30m from the ward entrance.
• 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 light.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• 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.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Washroom (Assisted Bathroom). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Assisted Bathroom)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • The washroom surveyed is located on the right hand side of the ward corridor.
  • The washroom surveyed is approximately 16m from the Bridge Ward entrance.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is male.
  • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
  • The door(s) lock(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are light to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 337cm x 283cm (11ft 1in x 9ft 3in).
  • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
  • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
  • 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 77cm.
  • 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 124cm.
  • 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 41cm (1ft 4in).
  • 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 97cm.
  • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 104cm.
  • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Bath Details View
  • There is a bath.
  • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 57cm (1ft 10in).
  • The bath is not height adjustable.
  • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
  • There is a shower over/for the bath.
  • The shower head is hand held.
  • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
  • A bath hoist is available.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The visual contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
  • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
  • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
  • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
  • The toilet seat visual contrast is high.
  • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
  • Lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • There are 2 additional washrooms with a bath, and 2 washroom with a shower.

You are on Location of Toilet / Changing Facilities (The Brooker Centre). Skip to the next section.

Location of Toilet / Changing Facilities (The Brooker Centre)

• Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor (male and female) and on the first floor (shared).
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
• Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the ground floor female accessible toilet.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• The Brooker Centre link (new tab) - click here.