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Direct Assessment Unit (DAU)

Causeway Hospital, 4 Newbridge Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, BT52 1HS

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Causeway Hospital Building)

  • By Road View
    • From the South East take the A26 towards Coleraine. The hospital is located off the A26 just before Coleraine.
      From the South take the A29 towards Coleraine. At Drumcroon Road roundabout take the second exit to continue along the A29 towards Coleraine. Continue along the A29, straight across 2 roundabouts. After the second roundabout the hospital is signed. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A26 and take the left hand lane. The hospital is on the left.
      From the West take the A37 towards Coleraine. At Drumcroon Road roundabout take the second exit to proceed onto the A29 towards Coleraine. Continue along the A29, straight across 2 roundabouts. After the second roundabout the hospital is signed. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A26 and take the left hand lane. The hospital is on the left.
      From the North West take the A2 towards Coleraine. On the outskirts of the town turn right onto the B201 (Wheatsheaf Road) towards Garvagh (A29) and the ring road. Proceed straight across the first roundabout and take the second exit at the next roundabout onto the A29 onto the ring road. Continue straight across the next roundabout, after which the hospital is signed. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A26 and take the left hand lane. The hospital is on the left.
      From the North East take the B17 towards Coleraine. Continue along the B17 to the outskirts of Coleraine. At the Bushmills Road roundabout take the 1st exit onto the ring road. Continue along the ring road straight across the next roundabout. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A26 and take the left hand lane. The hospital is on the left.
    • There are 2 open air car parks around the Causeway Hospital Site.
      The main car park is located directly in front of the main entrance and contains Blue Badge 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 Emergency Department entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • Ulster Bus route 319b stops at the on site bus stop for the hospital.
      There is an additional bus stop on the access road to the site.
      Ulster Bus routes 171 and 178 stop at this bus stop.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stop is located to the left of the main entrance, between the access road and the drop off point.
    • The bus stop is not sheltered and there is no seating.
    • The route to the hospital may require assistance due to dropped kerbs.
      The hospital main entrance is visible from the bus stop.
      There is a path leading from the bus stop to cross the main car park drop off/pick up area.
      The main car park drop off/pick up area may be busy and traffic moves from left to right.
      The bus stop is approximately 16m from the main entrance.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Coleraine Rail Station, approximately 2.0km away.
      There are several taxi services that run from the station.
      By bus the 319b service runs from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Causeway Hospital Building)

  • 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.
  • 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 (Car Park Number 1)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • 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) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • 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 333cm x 470cm.
    • 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 in front of the main entrance.
  • 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 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 the atrium.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is a low kerb along the entire length of the drop off point.

Getting To (Direct Assessment Unit (DAU))

  • The Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) is/are located on the first floor of the hospital.
  • Access to the Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) is via the main entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the main entrance.
    Proceed straight ahead.
    To the rear of the atrium turn right and proceed along the right hand corridor of the building.
    The main lifts are located on the left.
    Take the lift to the first floor.
    On exiting the lift turn right and proceed across the atrium bridge and onto the main corridor.
    Proceed along the corridor, passing the Multi-Disciplinary Education Centre and Rehab and Stroke Wards.
    Continue to the end of the corridor.
    Turn left to enter Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy / Direct Assessment Unit corridor entrance.
    There is a bell for the Direct Assessment Unit to ring for attention.
    A member of staff will open the double doors and escort patients along the corridor leading past Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
    Continue to the end of the corridor and proceed through the double doors leading into the Rehabilitation Ward, signed for Direct Assessment Unit (DAU).
    Turn left and proceed past the nurses' station.
    The entrance to the Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) is located on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Direct Assessment Unit (DAU).
  • The Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) is approximately 70m from the main lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the main lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is 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)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • 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 166cm (5ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 200cm.
    • 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 183cm.
  • 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 third set of doors.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The door width is 182cm.
    • There is a fourth set of doors.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The door width is 192cm.
    • Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the left hand side of the entrance is used for entering the hospital and the right hand side of the entrance is used for exiting the hospital.
    • There are hand sanitisers located at this entrance.
    • There is a hand sanitiser located at the second set of doors, between the entrance and exit doors, and another located between the third and fourth sets of doors, on the left and right hand sides of the entrance area.
    • There is clear signage for collection and drop off of wheelchairs.

Other Floors (Central Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 not 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • These stairs are spiral and the going varies from 21cm to 45cm.
    • Currently the 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 3 additional stairways along the main corridors.

Lift (Main Lifts (Lifts 3 and 4))

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear right of the atrium.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 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 G, 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 fair.
  • The clear door width is 108cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 167cm x 160cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 lifts in this location.
    • The lift surveyed was the right hand lift.
    • There is currently a maximum of 2 people allowed in the lift at any time.
    • There are hand sanitisers in the lift lobbies on both floors.
    • The hand sanitisers are located on the wall between both lifts at a height of 112cm.

Entrance (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 126cm .
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 149cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
  • Comments View
    • The hand sanitiser is along the corridor on the left of the wall.

Department / Service (Direct Assessment Unit (DAU))

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) is located on the first floor of the hospital, at the rear right of the Rehabilitation Ward.
    • 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 96cm.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and wood.
    • There is 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 good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a waiting room/area and a treatment room.
    • There are 1 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.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the department 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 wood.
  • There is not 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 tables do not contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Reception (Nurses' Station)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the rear of the assessment room.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the assessment room 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 low to moderate.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Room / Area (Assessment Room)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Assessment Room.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 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/are height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a hand sanitiser on the left wall outside the entrance at a height of 126cm.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Investigation & Treatment Room)

  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height 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.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in the assessment room.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 243cm x 148cm (7ft 12in x 4ft 10in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 149cm and 161cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 85cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. 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 118cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 131cm.
    • There is a flush 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 122cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are also toilet rolls on the dropdown rails.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor in the atrium.
    The female accessible toilet is located on the right hand side.
    The male accessible toilet is located on the left hand side.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor in the atrium.

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