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Ward A6

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 (Ward A6)

  • Ward A6 is/are located on level A of the hospital.
  • Access to Ward A6 is via the Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Entrance and take the lifts on the right to level A. Exit the lift, turn right and go straight down the corridor. Turn right at the entrance to Ward A1 and continue ahead. The entrance to Ward A6 is located ahead of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward A6.
  • Ward A6 is approximately 113m from the Main Entrance lifts.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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.

Other Floors (Corridor Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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 fair.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is currently a maximum of 2 people allowed in the lift at any time.

Ward (Ward A6)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Medical ward.
    • This is a shared 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.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 109cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 79cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the corridor between Ward A1 and Ward A6.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the corridor between Ward A1 and Ward A6.
  • Comments View
    • All side rooms were occupied at time of survey.
    • Visiting is currently by appointment only.
    • This ward is classed as an Amber Area and face masks are required at all times.
    • There are additional hand sanitisers available throughout the ward.

Washroom (Bathroom)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is written or text 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 520cm x 290cm (17ft 1in x 9ft 6in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 102cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 103cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 101cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 136cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 351cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The bath is height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is push button. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a ceiling hoist which covers the whole bathroom.

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 ward corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 70m from the Ward A6 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 good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 208cm x 215cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 138cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by 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 push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and wall recess bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 102cm and 143cm 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 backrest.
    • 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 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 104cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

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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