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 (Billing Road 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 in front of the Billing Road entrance.
- 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 7 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 370cm x 470cm (12ft 2in x 15ft 5in).
- There is not 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 not a designated drop-off point.
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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 at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
- Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located 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 uneven surfaces.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Billing Road entrance.
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.
Outside Access (Billing Road Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on Billing Road.
- 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 153cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 137cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
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)
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Ward Information
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- 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.
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Ward Access
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- 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.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- 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.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- 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.
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Visiting Times
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- 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)
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Washroom Details
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- 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.
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Toilet Details
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- 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.
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Shower Details
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- There is not a wheel in shower.
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Bath Details
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- 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are low.
Washroom (Ward Toilet and Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- 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.
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Toilet Details
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- 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.
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Shower Details
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- 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the ward corridor.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Main Hospital Building - Areas N, R, S and T link (new tab) - click here.