Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Northampton General Hospital is located on Billing Road and Cliftonville Road. The postcode for the Sat-Nav is NN1 5BD
If coming from the west via the A45, exit at the Junction with the A428 and continue on the A428 towards Northampton Town Centre.
After approximately 600m take the right hand lane marked Hospital and turn right at the traffic lights on to Cliftonville Road.
Turning left at the next traffic lights will take you directly to the car park 1- the main hospital car park.
If coming from Northampton Town Centre take Derngate, York Road, Billing Road before turning right on to Cliftonville Road where it will then be a right turn to access car park 1. - There are several open air car parks open to the public, they are accessible from York Road, Cliftonville Road and Billing Road
Parking outside the Hospital main entrance is sheltered.
Parking charges apply to all car park users and a Pay and Display system is in operation with payment machines in each car park.
- Northampton General Hospital is located on Billing Road and Cliftonville Road. The postcode for the Sat-Nav is NN1 5BD
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By Bus
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- There are several bus services which drop off outside the hospital on Billing Road and Cliftonville. These include routes 1, 3, 5, 9B and 51.
- There is not an onsite bus stop.
- General Hospital (Stop A) and General Hospital (Stop B) are located on Cliftonville.
General Hospital (Stops C, D, E and F) are located on Billing Road.
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By Train
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- The nearest station to Northampton General Hospital is Northampton.
Northampton General Hospital is 1.4 miles from the train station via St Andrews Road, Grafton Street, Upper Mounts, Lower Mounts, York Road and Billing Road (8 minute drive).
- The nearest station to Northampton General Hospital is Northampton.
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Useful Links
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- The link below is for the train provider for Northampton.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The link below is for the bus provider for Northampton.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in Area R.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01604 545 784.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
- Volunteers do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Hospital staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Volunteers can be found at the Cliftonville Main Entrance and the South Entrance.
- No hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
- BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
- Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
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Comments
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- There is a buggy shuttle service for patients and visitors operated by volunteers that picks up from the information point at the South Entrance and runs along Hospital Street and to other parts of the hospital.
Hospital Parking (Cliftonville Entrance)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders and staff only.
- The car park is located off Cliftonville.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 320cm (10ft 6in).
- 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 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located to the left of the Cliftonville Entrance.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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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 hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Cliftonville Entrance.
Hospital Parking (South Entrance - Main Car Park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located at the front of the hospital.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 331cm x 611cm (10ft 10in x 20ft 1in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located outside the South Entrance.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located throughout 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 and at the side 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).
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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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 dropped kerbs.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the South Entrance.
Opening Times
- This service is open 24 hours.
Outside Access
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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 ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There are bollards outside this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 280cm.
- The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 98cm .
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 98cm .
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 126cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 125cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located before and between the entrance doors.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left beyond the entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the 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 a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- Some 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.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 2)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 32m from the entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 available.
- There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Waiting Room)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the left beyond the entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- 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 contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 81cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 245cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
- 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.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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 transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency alarm is fully functional.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Waiting Room)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located to the left beyond the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the entrance.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 3 - Children)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 36m from the entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Chairs with armrests are not available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is available.
- There is a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There is a gate leading to this area, which is single, light, opens towards you and is 76cm in width.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Minor Injuries and Illness)
- There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; U4.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Cubicle B)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Cubicle B.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Bed 16)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Bed 16.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Fit Stop)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Fit Stop.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Resuscitation)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Resuscitation.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There are two set of entrances to Resuscitation.
- The ambulance route is detailed above and shown in the second photograph.
- The route from Accident and Emergency is shown in the third photograph and has fixed seating outside. This has double doors with a width of 160cm.
- There is also an intercom and bell situated at a suitable level for wheelchair users.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Observation Area - Consultation Room 5)
- There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consultation Room 5.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Main corridor)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the A&E corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is not a radar key.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens inwards and outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 160cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a push button flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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 not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency alarm is fully functional.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 69cm (2ft 3in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 99cm.
- 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 137cm (4ft 6in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Corridor)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located off the main corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 45m from the entrance.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- It was not possible to access the male toilet.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- There are additional ambulant cubicles with differing rail configurations.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- main hospital building areas A, B, C, D, E, F and G link (new tab) - click here.