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Wrekenton Health Centre

Springwell Road, Gateshead, NE9 7AD

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The health centre is located in Wrekenton, between Gateshead and Washington. From the A1(M) exit at junction 66, signposted Birtely. Take the B1296, signposted Wrekenton. Continue along the B1296 for approximately 1 mile. Bear left onto Easedale Gardens. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Springwell Road. Continue along Springwell Road to the traffic lights. At the traffic lights continue straight ahead onto Springwell Road. Continue along Springwell Road for approximately 280m. The health centre is located on the left.
    • There is on site parking at the left hand side of the building. There are Blue Badge parking bays. There is a drop off point in the car park.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop is the Springwell Road - Health Centre and Springwell Road - Social Club stops, located either side of Springwell Road, outside the health centre. Buses 92, Fab 56, Night Bus N56, Quaylink Q1, S878, and TB10 stop at these bus stops.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest station is Heworth. The Quaylink Q1 bus connects Heworth Interchange (Stand A) direct to the Springwell Road - Social Club bus stop.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest Metro station is Heworth. The Quaylink Q1 bus connects Heworth Interchange (Stand A) direct to the Springwell Road - Social Club bus stop.
  • Useful Links View

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

  • Bus Stop(s) View
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is a/are clearly marked onsite drop-off point(s).
    • The drop off point is located to the right of the Blue Badge bays, at the rear of the building.
    • The drop-off point is 7m from the rear entrance. The surface on the approach is block paving. There is a slight slope on the approach. There are no roads to cross, and no bollards on the approach. The kerb is lowered.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located to the left and rear of the building.
    • 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 block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 372cm x 488cm (12ft 2in x 16ft).
    • There is not 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 block paving.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.

Outside Access (Front Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 104cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There are bollards in front of the entrance at a width of 150cm.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, in the car park.
    • 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 105cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 169cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 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 hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the 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.
  • 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 and concrete.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and single seats without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Vending machines are not 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The televisions are used to display NHS and practice information.

Getting Around The Building

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet, vinyl and laminate.
    • 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 corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • 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.

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 going 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 good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter, opposite the waiting area.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear 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 fair.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 209cm (3ft 6in x 6ft 10in).
  • 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 good.

Reception (Dental/Sexual Health Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the first floor, to the rear right as you exit the lift.
    • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the lift.
    • There is step free access to the reception point, via lift.
    • 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 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 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating only.
    • 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 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.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, along the left hand corridor just before Consulting Rooms 1-8.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the rear 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 132cm x 216cm (4ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has not got 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 63cm (2ft 1in).
    • 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 a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin 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 143cm and 155cm from the floor.
  • 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 67cm (2ft 2in).
    • 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 86cm.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, along the left hand corridor just before Consulting Rooms 1-8.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the rear 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 216cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 1in).
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 a spatula type lever flush.
    • 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 female sanitary and pedal bin 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 95cm (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 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 85cm.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor Male)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • There is no designated female accessible toilet on the first floor.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 159cm x 242cm (5ft 3in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin 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 133cm and 144cm from the floor.
  • 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 67cm (2ft 2in).
    • 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 88cm.
    • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Family Toilet)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, along the left hand corridor leading to Consultation Rooms 1-8.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the rear entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared 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 not 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 on the ground floor, along the left hand corridor leading to Consulting Rooms 1-8.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 14m from the rear 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 92cm (3ft).
  • 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 82cm.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second baby change unit fixed against the wall at a height of 108cm when extended.