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Direct Assessment Unit

Antrim Area Hospital, Bush Road, Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT41 2RL

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Antrim Area Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • If coming from the north west or south east the easiest route is via the M2 motorway. Leave at Junction 7 and the entrance to the hospital is just off the island. If coming from Antrim town then use the A26 and leave at Oriel Road. Head towards the train station and then turn left on to Steeple Road. Continue ahead until you come to the junction with the B518. Go straight over at the lights onto Bush road and follow this road all the way to the M2 motorway access island at junction 7. Take the 5th exit onto the hospital site. Access to the main hospital car park is via the second entrance on the right.
    • There are several open air car parks around the Antrim Area Hospital Site. The main car park is located directly in front of the main entrances and contains both Blue Badge bays and Parent and Child bays. There is a barrier system in place to enter and exit the car parks. Payment machines are located at the main entrance inside the foyer and also outside the main entrance. There is a payment machine located also inside the entrance to the Emergency Department Building.
  • By Bus View
    • Ulster Bus routes 154, 168B, 321E and 219 all stop at the on site bus stop for the hospital.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stop is located to the right of the main entrance and next to the Day Surgery/MRI parking.
    • The bus shelter is covered and mostly enclosed. The bus shelter has fixed seating with ample room for a wheelchair.
    • The route to the hospital may require assistance due to uneven pavement. The hospital main entrances are visible from the bus shelter. There is a path leading from the bus shelter to the main entrances. The bus shelter is approximately 70M to the main entrances.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Train station is Antrim Railway Station and is approximately 3.2km There are several taxi services that run from the station. By Bus the 321E service runs from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Antrim Area Hospital)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on level B of the main hospital building.
  • Comments View
    • The meet and greet volunteers are not at either hospital at present due to COVID-19, no date has been set for their return.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly in front of the Main Entrance.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • 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 350cm x 530cm (11ft 6in x 17ft 5in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the left of the Main Entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in front of the Main Entrance and inside the hospital building opposite the Main Reception.
    • 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).
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • 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 14m (15yd 11in) from the Main Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is 15 minutes free parking for dropping off and picking up.
    • Payment for parking is by cash only. There are no card or contactless facilities.

Getting To (Direct Assessment Unit)

  • The Direct Assessment Unit is/are located on level B of the hospital.
  • Access to the Direct Assessment Unit is via the Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Entrance and turn right down the corridor. Follow the overhead signs and turn right down the second corridor. Follow this corridor and the entrance to the Direct Assessment Unit is located on the left.
  • There is step free access to the Direct Assessment Unit.
  • The Direct Assessment Unit is approximately 90m from the Main Entrance.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Revolving Door)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 240cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a slow down button on the revolving door set at 100cm from the floor.
    • Optionally the revolving may be left often for direct access into the building.
    • There are currently no wheelchairs located for patients at this entrance. Should you require a wheelchair please ask at reception.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located In front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Department / Service (Direct Assessment Unit)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Direct Assessment Unit is located on level B of the hospital.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a waiting room/area, treatment rooms, standard toilet facilities, a main reception and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
    • There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
  • Comments View
    • This is a 2 bayed assessment unit.
    • The unit is classed as an Amber Area and face masks are required at all times.
    • There are additional hand sanitiser's available throughout the ward.

Waiting Room / Area (Direct Assessment Unit Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 2m from the Direct Assessment Unit entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 46cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The manoeuvring space is obstructed by seating.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are currently social distancing measures in place within the waiting room.

Reception (Reception Point)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left after the waiting area.
    • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Direct Assessment Unit entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The reception does not have a desk for patients to report to.
    • Patients just announce themselves at the reception point.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Bed Bay)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Bed 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 available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Chair Bay)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Chair 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 not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the main department corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m from the Direct Assessment Unit entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 82cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 259cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 103cm 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 95cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • 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 clinical waste and recycling bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 backrest.
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 127cm.
    • 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located off the main department corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the Direct Assessment Unit entrance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • The toilet seats have a high colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Antrim Area Hospital)

  • Changing Places facilities are located on level B of the main hospital corridor, this is also used as an accessible toilet. For access to the changing facilities you need to contact the main reception.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level A opposite the Chapel, on level B in the corridor leading to the Direct Assessment Unit and on the main corridor to the left of reception, on level C outside the Loughview Restaurant.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level C outside the Loughview Restaurant.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level B in the corridor leading to the Direct Assessment Unit also on level B leading to the Acute Assessment Unit on level A corridor leading to Outpatients 4 and 6.

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