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Althorp Ward

Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton , Northamptonshire, NN1 5BD

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Access Guide

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Overview (Northampton General Hospital)

Parking (Billing Road - Accessible Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the north side of the hospital site, off Billing Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 229cm (width) x 387cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 122cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 11m from the Billing Road Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located at the rear of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay designated for Blue Badge holders are 229cm (width) x 469cm (depth).
    • The controls for the Blue Badge charging points are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster for the Blue Badge charging points is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points designated for Blue Badge holders require an app.
    • The nearest Blue Badge charging point is 5m from the Billing Road Entrance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (Althorp Ward)

  • Althorp Ward is/are located in Area S.
  • Access to Althorp Ward is via the Billing Road Entrance.
  • On entering the Billing Road Entrance continue ahead and down the ramp, then turn left and go along the corridor. Althorp Ward is located on the right opposite the lift.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to Althorp Ward.
  • Althorp Ward is approximately 65m from the Billing Road Entrance.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Entrance (Billing Road Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the north side of the hospital site, off Billing Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 125cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 138cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 136cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Level Change (Billing Road Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located as soon as you enter from the Billing road entrance.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.

Ward (Althorp Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an orthopaedic elective surgery ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 18 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 80cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located off the Billing Road Entrance ramp.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located off the Billing Road Entrance ramp.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14.00-16.30 and 18.00-20.00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Washroom (Ward Toilet and Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 310cm x 218cm (10ft 2in x 7ft 2in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 168cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 116cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 85cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 97cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 75cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The height of the shower head is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are low.

Washroom (Ward Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 387cm x 185cm (12ft 8in x 6ft 1in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 169cm and 170cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 117cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The cistern is not close coupled and no padded back rest is provided.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 174cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 96cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

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