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Critical Care Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Critical Care Unit)

Parking (South Entrance Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the left of the South Entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 239cm (width) x 396cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 121cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 39m from the South Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located within the main hospital building.
    • 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).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located on the left side of the car park.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Parking (Car Park 1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the south side of the hospital site, in front of South Entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 254cm (width) x 450cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 139cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 16m from the South Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located at the front 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 3 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 241cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (South Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the south side of the hospital site.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 171cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • 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 175cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance (Critical Care Unit)

  • This entrance is located on the ground floor in area E.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a bell at a height of 116cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Ward (Critical Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a Critical Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There are 10 side rooms available.
    • There are 10 beds in total on the ward.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There are double automatic doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 178cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 120cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 122cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 71cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs without armrests.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: a toilet with adaptations and a washroom.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a toilet with adaptations and a washroom.
  • Visiting Hours View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 13:00 - 19:00.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Critical Care Unit - Visitors)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located to the right after the Critical Care Unit entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located in the relatives room.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Critical Care Unit - Patient)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located to the right after the Critical Care Unit entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located to the left after the Critical Care Unit ward entrance.

Seating Area (Critical Care Unit)

  • To the right as you enter the Critical Care Unit.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Relatives Overnight Stay)

  • The room is located to the left after the Critical Care Unit entrance.
  • The distance from the Critical Care Unit entrance is 1m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a wash basin.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Visitors - Shower and Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located in the relatives room.
    • The distance from the Critical Care Unit entrance is 2m.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 219cm (width) x 182cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 77cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 106cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Shower and Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located to the left of the Critical Care Unit.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens both ways and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 309cm (width) x 221cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet .
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 107cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 104cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 87cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 69cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 85cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 103cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a pedal bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 101cm and 137cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the right as you enter the Critical Care Unit.
    • The distance from the Critical Care Unit entrance is 2m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 173cm (width) x 223cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 68cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 102cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.