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Houghton Health Centre

Church Street, Houghton-le-Spring, DH5 4DN

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Houghton Health Centre is located at the south end of Houghton-le-Spring.
      From the south and east take the A690 towards Sunderland.
      Exit the A690 at the junction signed for A182 and at the roundabout take the first exit onto the A1052 (Dairy Lane) and take the first right to continue onto Dairy Lane, signposted The Broadway, Council Offices.
      Take the second right onto Church Street and the Centre is located off the first right.
      From the north and west take the A690 towards Durham.
      Exit the A690 at the junction signed A182 A1052.
      Take the second exit and follow the road parallel to the A690.
      At the next roundabout take the third exit onto the A1052 (Dairy Lane) and take the first right to continue onto Dairy Lane, signposted The Broadway, Council Offices.
      Take the second right onto Church Street and the Centre is located off the first right.
    • Blue Badge and standard parking is available on-site.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop is Houghton-le-Spring on The Broadway, 150m away and served by the ED2.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest railway station is Seaham, 6 miles from the Centre.
      There are no direct bus routes between the station and the Centre.
  • Useful Links View

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located to the front and left of the health centre.
    • 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.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 355cm x 480cm (11ft 8in x 15ft 9in).
    • 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.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the health centre entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 2 Blue Badge bays are located in the car park to the left of the health centre.
    • 1 Blue Badge bay is located in the car park at the front of the health centre.

Bus Stop(s) and Drop-off Point(s)

Outside Access (Health Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the health centre.
    • 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 double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 107cm.
    • 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 97cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located at the front right of the car park.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is 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 both sides going up.
    • The width of the ramp or slope is 146cm (4ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a choice of 2 ramps to access the building.
    • The ramp surveyed was on the far right of the front part of the car park.
    • There is a ramp at the centre of the front part of the car park to the right of the single Blue Badge bay.
    • This ramp also has a handrail on both sides.
    • The gradient of this ramp is steep.
    • There is a steep slope from the left-hand side part of the car park.
    • The slope is immediately to the right of the 2 Blue Badge bays, just past the dropped kerb.
    • This slope has a steep gradient.
    • There is an easy slope just before the first set of entrance doors.

Reception (Primary Care Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located between the first and second set of entrance doors.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the 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 bench seating only.
    • The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Vending machines are not 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.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Reception (Houghton Medical Group)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the front of the building, in the foyer as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the health 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 good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • 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 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 not provided in the reception area.
  • Comments View
    • Houghton Medical Group shares the same waiting area as the Primary Care Reception.

Getting Around The Building

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
  • Circulation View
    • 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 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 not provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is 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 play background music in public areas.
    • Music is played in the Primary Care Reception waiting area.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Waiting Area(s) (Corridor 1)

  • There is a/are waiting area(s) along the circulation route(s).
  • There is bench seating only.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area(s).
  • There is not a/are not flashing fire alarm beacon(s) within the waiting area(s).
  • This waiting area is at the front left of the health centre, at the end of corridor 1.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Corridor 1)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear left of the health centre, at the end of corridor 1.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the health centre entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 182cm x 233cm (5ft 12in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 139cm 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 pedal bin and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not between 90cm and 100cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 97cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Primary Care Reception Waiting Area)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the front of the building to the right as you enter, facing the Primary Care Reception waiting area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the health centre entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 260cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 135cm 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 pedal bin and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not between 90cm and 100cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the front of the health centre, in the right-hand corridor.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the health centre entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the front of the health centre, in the right-hand corridor.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the health centre entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room in the venue.
  • The parent and baby room is located at the front of the health centre, on the right in the Primary Care Reception waiting area.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 5m from the health centre entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 83cm.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.