Access Guide
Overview (Northampton General Hospital)
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About
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- This is a hospital with multiple services available.
- Services available in the venue include: Cafe's, convenience shops, restaurants and a pharmacy.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest train station is Northampton.
- The nearest bus station is Northampton.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline.info (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow aisles.
- Lower Ground, Ground, Floor 1 and Floor 2 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is no hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
- British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: a pay phone, Wi-Fi and TV pre-pay machines for patients.
Parking (Area K)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the west side of the hospital site, in front of Area K.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 287cm (width) x 481cm (depth).
- There are no hatched/marked zones.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 7m from Entrance K1.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for all users.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- 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).
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- There are 4 electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
- The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay designated for Blue Badge holders are 289cm (width) x 449cm (depth).
- 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 10m from Entrance K1.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Parking (Car Park 3)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the south side of the hospital site.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 9 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 260cm (width) x 445cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 16m from the Diabetes Centre Entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep ramp or slope.
- There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located on the right side of the car park.
Outside Access (Area K1)
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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 170cm.
- 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 hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 110cm.
- 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 112cm.
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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 a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
Lift (Area K1)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right as you enter the K1 entrance, at the end of the corridor on the right.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Area K Main 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 LG, G, 1.
- 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 114cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 223cm x 143cm.
- 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 have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Other Floors (Area K1)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to exit the stairwell on the lower ground floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are 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 not 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Getting To (Pre-Operative Assessment)
- Pre-Operative Assessment is/are located K area, first floor.
- Access to Pre-Operative Assessment is via the K1 entrance.
- Enter via the K1 entrance turn right down the corridor, then turn right and take the lift to the first floor, exit the lift and then turn right. The entrance is directly ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Pre-Operative Assessment .
- Pre-Operative Assessment is approximately 6m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the K1 entrance and the department/service.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Entrance
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located First floor in K Area.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 116cm (3ft 10in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 155cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left just beyond the entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no 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 varied.
- 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 not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable 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 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 not 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 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 varied.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Room 4)
- There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment Room 4.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- 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 not available.
- 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.
- 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 (Assessment Bay)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment Bay.
- 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 not available.
- 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.
- 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.
Toilet with Adaptations
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the left of the main corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) 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 written text and 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 sliding bolt.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 134cm x 135cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 135cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 70cm.
- There is a flush 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 visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
- There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is not 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 low.
- 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 no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 149cm from the floor.
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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 covered 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- 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 85cm.
- 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 126cm (4ft 2in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The male toilet is located in the corridor before the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the entrance.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual 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 88cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- 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.
- area K link (new tab) - click here.
