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 (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.
Getting To (Benham Assessment Unit)
- The Benham Assessment Unit is/are located on level 2 of Area C.
- Access to the Benham Assessment Unit is via the South Entrance.
- From the South Entrance continue ahead and take the lift located on the right opposite the information desk to level 2. Exit the lift and turn left and then right and continue ahead. Turn right at critical care and the Benham Assessment Unit is located on the right at the end of the corridor.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Benham Assessment Unit.
- The Benham Assessment Unit is approximately 70m from the lift.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Outside Access (South Entrance - Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the south side of the hospital.
- 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.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 142cm.
- 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 133cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
Other Floors (South Entrance/Cliftonville Entrance)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
- 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 depth 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift (South Entrance/Cliftonville Entrance Main Lifts - 4/5)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located down the corridor and to the right as you enter the South Entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the South 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, 2.
- 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 131cm (4ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 163cm x 282cm (5ft 4in x 9ft 3in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is 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 a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
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Comments
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- The lifts detailed above also serve the Cliftonville Entrance.
- They are located ahead as you enter the Cliftonville Entrance and to the left.
- The lifts detailed above also serve the Cliftonville Entrance.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an assessment ward.
- This is a male ward.
- There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 28 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm (4ft 4in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is 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.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 73cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not 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 not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not 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.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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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 Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
- This washroom is male.
- 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 twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 170cm x 329cm (5ft 7in x 10ft 10in).
- 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 is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
- There is a wash basin.
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 104cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 112cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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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 twist/turn.
- 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Rear of Ward)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located off the ward corridor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards and 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 180cm x 200cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- 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 60cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 70cm.
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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 132cm (4ft 4in).
- 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).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Adjacent to Bays)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located off the ward corridor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards and 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 158cm x 281cm (5ft 2in x 9ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There is a dropdown 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 tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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 134cm (4ft 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).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 106cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The 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 A, B, C, D, E, F and G link (new tab) - click here.