Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital (Antrim Area Hospital)
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By Road
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- 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.
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By Bus
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- 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.
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By Train
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- 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.
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Useful Links
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- Google Map of Antrim Area Hospital Location.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Route from Antrim Railway Station to Antrim area Hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Translink time tables for Ulster bus services.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
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.
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Comments
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- 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)
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Parking
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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.
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Paying
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- 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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 (Endoscopy)
- Endoscopy is/are located on level C of the hospital.
- Access to Endoscopy is via the Main Entrance.
- Enter via the Main Entrance and take the lifts on the right to level C. Exit the lift and turn right. Continue down the corridor until you see the sign on your right for Endoscopy (This is currently a temporary sign). Go through the double doors and the entrance to Endoscopy is located on the right.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Endoscopy.
- Endoscopy is approximately 95m from the Main Entrance lifts.
- There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Main Entrance lifts and the department/service.
- 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)
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Entrance Details
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- 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.
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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.
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Comments
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- 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)
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Entrance Details
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- 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.
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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.
Other Floors (Corridor Stairs)
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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 enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are A,B,C.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth 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 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- Currently the main corridor stairways are designated either as up or down only to comply with social distancing measures.
- The stairways are clearly signed to which direction they can be used.
- There are 4 stairways on the main corridor.
Lift (Main Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the centre of the main hospital corridor.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the 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 A,B,C.
- 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 130cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 280cm.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not 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 not a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is currently a maximum of 2 people allowed in the lift at any time.
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.
Department / Service (Endoscopy)
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Department / Service Access
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- Endoscopy is located on level C of the hospital.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm .
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- 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.
- There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; treatment rooms, consultation rooms, standard toilet facilities, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, a main reception, sub receptions and a waiting room/area.
- There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
- A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
- There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right as you enter the department.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Endoscopy entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly 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.
- The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower) .
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not 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.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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.
Waiting Room / Area (Refreshment Area)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 20m from the Endoscopy 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 a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 35cm.
- The surface height of the highest table is 41cm.
- 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 chairs.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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 low to moderate.
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Comments
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- This area is only used for patients to take refreshment after treatment.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Admissions Room)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Admissions Room 1.
- 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not 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.
- All 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 (Endoscopy Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Endoscopy Room 1.
- 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 double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not 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 available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not a chair.
- 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 (Reception - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located next to the reception waiting area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m from the Endoscopy 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 written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens inwards and outwards.
- The door is easy 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 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 158cm x 260cm.
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 133cm 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 81cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is no dropdown rail.
- 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 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 high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- 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 sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and recycling bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 151cm 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 backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 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 106cm.
- 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
- 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.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located on the main department corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the Endoscopy entrance.
- There is written text 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 high.
- Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The shared toilet is located on the main department corriodor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m from the Endoscopy entrance.
- There is pictorial and written text 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 medium.
- The toilet seats have a high colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 69cm.
- 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 right 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.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Antrim Area Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.