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 (Car Park 4)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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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 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).
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- 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.
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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 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.
Getting To (Sturridge Ward (Labour Ward))
- Sturridge Ward (Labour Ward) is/are located within Area M.
- Access to Sturridge Ward (Labour Ward) is via the West entrance.
- Enter via the West entrance and follow the corridor up the slope, the ward is on the right.
- There is ramped/sloped access to Sturridge Ward (Labour Ward).
- Sturridge Ward (Labour Ward) is approximately 45m from the West entrance.
- 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.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an labour ward.
- This is a female ward.
- There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 12 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) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 138cm (4ft 6in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- 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.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 116cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
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Example Side Room
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- There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
- The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
- The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
- The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
- Bedside storage is available.
- The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
- The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
- The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
- There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
- The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a toilet and a wash basin.
- The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are low.
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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.
- 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 on Hospital Street.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located at the Cheyne Walk Entrance.
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Visiting Times
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- There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
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Comments
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- The 2nd set of doors open automatically away from you and are 170cm wide. The hand sanitiser is 137cm high and intercom 109cm high.
Entrance (Maternity Observation)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located to the right as you enter the ward.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 126cm .
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
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 step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is female.
- There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 375cm x 173cm (12ft 4in x 5ft 8in).
- 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 is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is not a mirror.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 77cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
- The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 120cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 116cm.
- 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 toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 122cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm.
- 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 does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- A shower chair is available.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
- The shower tray is accessed via an easy slope.
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Bath Details
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- There is not a bath.
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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 visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the left of the ward corridor.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a female toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 187cm x 173cm.
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 120cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin and storage items.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever 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 both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is 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.
- There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
- The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are general waste (with lid), pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is not a mirror.
- The toilet does not have a backrest or a cistern.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can 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 towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 119cm (3ft 11in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ensuite Toilet)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located in Room 8.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- There is 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 lowered wash basin is 85cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
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.
- Main Hospital Building - Areas L and M link (new tab) - click here.
