Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include the Outpatients Departments.
Getting Here
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By Road
View
- The hospital is located to the West of the centre of Clacton. From the A133, turn right onto Wellesley Road at the roundabout just before the station. Turn left at the next roundabout onto Pier Avenue, then turn right onto Rosemary Road West. Take the next left onto Ellis Road. This becomes Tower Road, and the entrance to the hospital site is on the right, just past the West Cliff Theatre.
- Blue Badge bays are available in front of the main building. There is a public car park located just inside the hospital site, and staff parking is located at the far end of the site.
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By Bus
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- Bus routes 4, 4A, 10A and 72 stop at the Tower Road bus stop next to the hospital. The bus stop for West Cliff Theatre, further up Tower Road, is also served by routes 130 and 134.
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By Train
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- Clacton-on-Sea station is located on Skelmersdale Road, to the North of the town centre, and is approximately a kilometre from the hospital. Bus routes 4, 4A, 10A, 130 and 134 can be used to travel to the hospital from station.
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Useful Links
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- For more detailed directions to the site, please see the NHS Choices webpage below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please use the following link for more information on Clacton bus times.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the National Rail website for details of trains into London.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Parking
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Parking
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- The venue does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located to the side of the building, at the front of the hospital area accessed off Tower Road.
- 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 500cm x 450cm (16ft 5in x 14ft 9in).
- 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.
- There are additional car parks for staff and visitors.
- There are Blue Badge bays located in front of main building off the internal hospital road (photograph 4).
Staff permit holder parking is available off the internal hospital road around the Freeland and Martellow Building, and also in a parking area at the end of the internal road, just before the junction with Marine Parade West (photograph 5).
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
- There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
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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 uneven surfaces.
- 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 and block paving.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) 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 a/are clearly marked onsite drop-off point(s).
- The ambulance parking area at the front of the building can be used to drop off.
- The drop-off area has a brick block paving surface, and there are bollards, 112cm wide, leading to the entrance from there. Just in front of the entrance, the surface becomes paving slabs.
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 building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free 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 93cm.
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Comments
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- The minimum width between the bollards is 111cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located straight ahead from the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 high (110cm+).
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a touch screen.
- The touch screen is 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are not available.
- 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 good.
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Comments
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- The waiting area also contains a Tea Bar selling hot and cold drinks, chocolate and snacks. This was not in use at the time of the survey 01/03/2022).
Getting Around The Building
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
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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 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 all corridors.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Lighting levels of at least 100 lux at floor level, were recorded in all corridors surveyed.
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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.
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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 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 not 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 ahead and to the left as you enter.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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.
- Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level in the lift lobby.
- 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 good.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
- The clear door width is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not 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.
Waiting Area(s) (First Floor)
- There is a/are waiting area(s) along the circulation route(s).
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user in some of the waiting areas.
- There is not a/are not flashing fire alarm beacon(s) within the waiting area(s).
Toilet with Adaptations (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 left as you enter the venue and through 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 pictorial and written text 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 129cm x 225cm (4ft 3in x 7ft 5in).
- 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 62cm (2ft).
- 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 94cm 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 female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 not a mirror.
- The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 98cm.
- 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).
- 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
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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 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.
- Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level.
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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 108cm (3ft 7in).
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, along the corridor to the left of the lift lobby / waiting area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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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 twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 216cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 1in).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 140cm (4ft 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 88cm 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).
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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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side 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 and a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 89cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 102cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
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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 good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Lighting levels are not at least 100 lux at floor level.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, off the waiting room to the left of reception.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- 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.
- Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
View
- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, off the waiting room to the left of reception.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
- Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level.
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
- 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 to the right as you exit the lift.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- 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.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Clacton District Hospital - Main Building link (new tab) - click here.
- Minor Injuries Unit link (new tab) - click here.
- Reckitt Lodge link (new tab) - click here.
- Peter Bruff Block link (new tab) - click here.
- Freeland and Martellow Ward link (new tab) - click here.