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Specialist Dental Services

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.

Hospital Parking (Specialist Dental Services Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly outside the Specialist Dental Services Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • 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 355cm x 490cm.
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated 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 and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • 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 inside the hospital building.
    • 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 Specialist Dental Services Building Entrance.

Opening Times

  • Access is by appointment only.

Outside Access (Specialist Dental Services Building Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 100cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 100cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • 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 (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • 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 from the left leading up to the entrance door.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.

Department / Service (Specialist Dental Services)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Specialist Dental Services is located to the left of the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • 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 not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, treatment rooms and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
    • There are 3 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is not 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
    • Dental Services are divided between the Orthodontic Clinic and the Community Dental Surgery.

Reception (Orthodontic Clinic and Oral Surgery)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Specialist Dental Service Building 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 sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The waiting area is also used for patients attending the Community Dental Surgery.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Community Dental Surgery)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Dental Surgery 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a chair.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with 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 adjustable.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthodontic Clinic)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are height adjustable.
  • There are no 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Imaging Room (X-Ray Room)

  • This section describes the X-Ray Room(s), located Specialist Dental Service corridor.
  • There is / are 1 X-Ray Room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; X-Ray room.
  • This room is not accessed via a changing room.
  • Imaging Room View
    • There is step free access into the imaging room.
    • The changing room is approximately 8m from the main waiting area.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
    • A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
    • The width of the door is 86cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the imaging room.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is not a bed / couch.
    • The room does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the imaging room.
    • The lighting levels in the imaging room are adjustable.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the Specialist Dental Service corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m from the Specialist Dental Service Building 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 245cm x 210cm (8ft x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 130cm.
    • 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 are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 recycling bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 161cm from the floor.
  • 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 fair.
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 132cm.
    • 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 131cm (4ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 91cm.

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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