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Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit

Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit)

  • The most accessible route from Car Park 4 has a steep ramp or slope and a dropped kerb with tactile paving.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit is via the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • The Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit is located within Area L, on the ground floor.
  • The Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit is approximately 50m from the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the Cheyne Walk Entrance and follow the corridor on the right.
  • Continue to the end of this corridor and turn left, just after the stairs.
  • Continue ahead to the end of this corridor, going down the long steep ramp.
  • At the end of this corridor the entrance to the Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit is located straight ahead.
  • Internally the most accessible route has a steep ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (Car Park 4)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the west side of the hospital site.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 474cm (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 12m from the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep 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 at the side 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 5 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 239cm (width) x 468cm (depth).
    • The controls are not 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.
    • 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 228cm (width) x 478cm (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 31m from the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the right of the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Entrance (Cheyne Walk Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the west side of the hospital site.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 192cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 143cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Ward (Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a neonatal transitional care unit.
    • This is a female only ward.
    • There are 5 bays available.
    • There are 4 side rooms available.
    • There are 20+ beds in total on the ward.
    • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free access via ramp into this ward.
    • The ramp has a steep gradient.
    • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
    • There is an intercom at a height of 145cm.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 137cm.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 149cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 98cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
    • The desk has glazed screens.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: a standard toilet and washrooms.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a washroom.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Patients)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located along the corridor on the left side of the ward.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located at the front of the corridor on the left side of the ward and towards the end of the corridor on the right side of the ward.

Standard Bedroom and Ensuite (Side Room 7)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located halfway along the ward corridor.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests and a height adjustable bed.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 178cm (width) x 217cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a wall mounted towel dispenser available.
    • The wash basin has a lever tap.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • Additional features include: a mirror and a coat hook.
    • The ensuite has a clinical waste bin.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The ensuite has a shower cubicle.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is no shower seat.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Patients - Shower and Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located at the front of the corridor on the left side of the ward.
    • 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 inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 285cm (width) x 235cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 186cm (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 low 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 64cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 79cm 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 97cm 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 122cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a clinical waste bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 145cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • 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 which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a medium visual contrast.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Visitors - Shower and Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located towards the end of the corridor on the right side of the ward.
    • The distance from the Robert Watson Ward and Neonatal Transitional Care Unit entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 287cm (width) x 141cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 99cm (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 no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low 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 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 80cm 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 varying visual contrasts.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 99cm 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 131cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a clinical waste bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 147cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The bathroom has a shower cubicle.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There is a grab rail for the shower.
    • The shower grab rail has a medium visual contrast.