Access Guide
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Axminster Community Hospital is located on Chard Road (A358) to the north of Axminster Town Centre.
Heading east on the A35; head east on Gammons Hill/A35, and take a slight left turn onto B3261.
At the roundabout, continue straight onto West Street/A358.
Turn left onto Chard Street/A358 and the hospital will be on the left.
Heading west on the A35; Head north-west on A35 towards B3261.
Turn right onto B3261, then right onto Stoney Lane/B3261.
At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Chard Rd/A358.
The hospital will be on the right. - The hospital has its own car park.
- Axminster Community Hospital is located on Chard Road (A358) to the north of Axminster Town Centre.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop located on Chard Road which is served by the number 4 (Stagecoach South West) Exeter Bus Station - Axminster Railway Station and the 885 (AVMT Bus Company) Axminster - Seaton - Colyton - Beer.
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By Train
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- Axminster Station is approximately 0.5 miles (15 minute walk) from the hospital.
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Useful Links
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- For information on Stagecoach Bus timetables please click on the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on AVMT Bus timetables please click on the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on Axminster Station please click on the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on train fares and timetables please click on the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Opening Times
- The venue is open 24hrs.
Parking
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Parking
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- The venue does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located in front of the venue.
- 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 Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 477cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 8in).
- 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.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the car park.
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Access from the Car Park
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
- The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is clearly signposted.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
- There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
Bus Stop(s) and Drop-off Point(s)
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Bus Stop(s)
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- There is not an onsite bus stop.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked onsite drop-off point(s).
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 125cm.
- 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 door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 117cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located between the car park and the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp or slope is 154cm (5ft 1in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located between the car park and the entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
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Comments
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- The handrail is on the left of the first two steps and on both sides for the next three.
Outside Access (Conybeare Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front right side of the venue.
- 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.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 127cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
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Comments
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- This entrance also gives level access to the Morton Suite and bypasses the steep slope.
Reception (Ground Floor)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left as you enter the venue.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 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 good.
- The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a touch screen.
- The touch screen is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are available.
- A water dispenser is 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.
- The lighting levels are good.
Getting Around The Building
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
- There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the Morton Suite.
- This level change is shown in photograph 4. This level change can be overcome by using the Conybeare Entrance.
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Circulation
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- There are 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 with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- A consulting toom can be used as a place of safety if needed.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G.
- There are 6 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right of the reception.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 LG, G.
- 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 129cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 136cm x 235cm (4ft 6in x 7ft 9in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is 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 not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter and opposite the waiting area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 241cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 11in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 103cm from floor level.
- 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 toilet.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 173cm and 184cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- There is not a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not 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).
- 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 wash basin.
- The wash basin 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 68cm (2ft 3in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
- 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).
Accessible Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor - Left Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located along the left side of the lower ground floor corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 188cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 2in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 105cm from floor level.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 175cm and 186cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
View
- 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- There is not a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not 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).
- 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 wash basin.
- The wash basin 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 68cm (2ft 3in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There 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 100cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located through the door that is to the left as you reach the lower ground floor.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- There are horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides of the seat.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.