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Rochdale Outpatients

Birch Hill Hospital, Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale, OL12 9QB

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Access Guide

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Getting Here (Birch Hill Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Birch Hill is on Birch Road, which is accessed via Halifax Road.
    • There is free parking around the hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop close to the hospital, on Birch Road where the 458 service runs from Stansfield and Rochdale.
  • By Train View
    • The closest train station is Smithy Bridge which is 1.3 miles from Birch Hill.

Getting Help and Assistance (Birch Hill Hospital)

  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow to use around the building.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There is not a/are not hearing assistance system(s) available.
  • Home visits services are not available.

Hospital Parking (Shared Watergrove and Outpatients)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located on the left side of the Hospital.
    • 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) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 465cm x 235cm (15ft 3in x 7ft 9in).
    • There is 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 not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Watergrove entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This parking is 8m away from the Outpatients Entrance.

Getting To (Outpatients)

  • Outpatients is/are located on the first floor of Birch Hill Hospital.
  • Access to Outpatients is via the Psychiatric Outpatients Department Entrance.
  • Enter via the Psychiatric Outpatients Department Entrance and turn right into the lift lobby.
    Take the lift to the first floor.
    Exit the lift and turn right. Outpatients is located ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Outpatients.
  • Outpatients is approximately 10m from the Lift.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Psychiatric Outpatients Department)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the left of the hospital site.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Lift (Outpatients)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the Psychiatric Outpatients Department Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Psychiatric Outpatients Department 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 Ground Floor and First Floor.
  • 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The external controls for the lift are 120cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 not 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.

Department / Service (Outpatients)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Outpatients is located on the first floor of Birch Hill Hospital.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
    • 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.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and 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 play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, treatment rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 20/08/2024.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • 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.

Opening Times (Outpatients)

  • Monday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Reception (Outpatients)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right from the Outpatients entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Outpatients 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 a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 20/08/2024.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • 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 carpet.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
    • There is 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 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 good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 1)

  • There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 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) both ways.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not 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 moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 3)

  • There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 3.
  • 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) both ways.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no 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 moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the right of the reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m from the Outpatients Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The visual contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 250cm (6ft 7in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 125cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual 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 the right.
    • There is 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general waste (with lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is good.
    • 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The visual 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The visual 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 120cm.
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Male)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the right of reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the Outpatients Entrance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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