Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital (North Devon District Hospital)
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By Road
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- North Devon District Hospital is located on Roborough Road.
The hospital can be accessed via Shirwell Road and the A39 to the north, taking the first exit on to Roborough Road, or from North Road and A39 to the south, taking the third exit on to Roborough Road.
For the sat nav location, enter EX31 4JB. - Patient and visitor car parking is available within the open air/surface car park, which located along Roborough Road at the front of the hospital grounds.
There are clearly marked Blue Badge bays located within the open air/surface car park.
There are also marked Blue Badge bays located in front of the main entrance to the hospital.
- North Devon District Hospital is located on Roborough Road.
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By Bus
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- There are several bus stops located along North Road, approximately 410m from the hospital.
The services provided at these bus stops include the 19, 29 and 309. - There is an onsite bus stop.
- There is an onsite bus stop available on the roundabout at the front of the hospital grounds, opposite the Accident and Emergency department entrance.
- The onsite bus stop is sheltered and has raised benched seating available.
- The route to the main entrance is down a slope of varying degrees and around a bend, approximately 55m from the main entrance.
- There are several bus stops located along North Road, approximately 410m from the hospital.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station is Barnstaple.
The station is located along Station Road and is approximately 1.9 miles from the hospital (a 27 minute walk).
- The nearest train station is Barnstaple.
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Useful Links
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- For information on bus providers please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on an alternate bus provider please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on train providers at Barnstaple train station please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For information on Barnstaple train station please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance (North Devon District Hospital)
- To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on level 2 on the main hospital entrance corridor.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01271 335 760.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
- Volunteers can be found at the main information desk next to the main hospital entrance on level 2.
- 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 an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- 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 and walking frames.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
- There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on level 2 of the main hospital building.
- To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.
Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Bays and Drop Off Zone)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located to the left of the main hospital entrance.
- 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 a shared surface.
- 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 226cm x 487cm (7ft 5in x 15ft 12in).
- 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 directly outside the main hospital entrance.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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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 throughout the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located at the main hospital entrance.
- There is not 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main hospital entrance.
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Comments
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- Blue Badge holders must scan their badge at the payment machine to get free parking.
- There are slopes and a road to cross from some of the Blue Badge bays.
- Parking is free for carers who are on the Devon Carers register when the person they care for is staying in or visiting the hospital.
Hospital Parking (Main Visitors Car park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located in front 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) 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 230cm x 450cm (7ft 7in x 14ft 9in).
- There is 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 not a designated 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 payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
- There is not 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 slopes/ramps.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 90m (98yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
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Comments
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- Access to the hospital from some parts of the car park are via steps or steep slopes.
- Parking is free for carers who are on the Devon Carers register when the person they care for is staying in or visiting the hospital.
Getting To (Intensive Care Unit)
- The Intensive Care Unit is/are located on level 3.
- Access to the Intensive Care Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
- Enter via the main hospital entrance and follow the corridor ahead past the information desk on your right hand side.
Continue along the corridor until you reach the lift lobby.
Take a lift up to level 3.
As you exit the lift, turn left and follow the corridor until you reach the end.
Turn left and go through the manual double doors.
The entrance to the Intensive Care Unit is directly ahead. - There is step free access, via lift, to the Intensive Care Unit.
- The Intensive Care Unit is approximately 74m from the lifts 3 and 4.
- There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lifts 3 and 4 and the department/service.
- There are resting areas along the route.
- 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 (North Devon District Hospital - Main Hospital 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.
- There are bollards outside this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 103cm.
- The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- 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 167cm.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 176cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located from the drop off zone to the main hospital entrance, past the bollards.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
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Comments
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- There is a night service intercom/bell to the right of the main hospital entrance.
Lift (Lifts 3 and 4)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the centre of the hospital building, off the main hospital corridor.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main hospital 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 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 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 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 170cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is 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.
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Comments
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- These lifts are for visitors.
- There are 2 lifts opposite which are for staff only.
Other Floors (Central Stairwell)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 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 moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There are 2 sets of heavy single door to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The flooring is a different colour in some areas.
Ward (Intensive Care Unit)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an intensive care ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 3 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 6 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- 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 168cm (5ft 6in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 143cm (4ft 8in).
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 136cm (4ft 6in).
- 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 varied.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 109cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is a relatives' room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
- There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
- The relatives room is located on the right hand side just before the unit entrance. The height of the kitchen top in the relatives room is 91cm.
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Example Side Room
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- There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
- The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
- The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
- Bedside storage is available.
- The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
- The lighting levels in the side room are moderate to good.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
- There are not washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
- There are not toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 11:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 20:00.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
Washroom (ICU Visitors Toilet/Shower Room)
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Washroom Details
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- 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 on the left just before the unit entrance.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 2m from the unit entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 242cm x 200cm (7ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 174cm 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 81cm.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever. It is 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 112cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 175cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- 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 113cm.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower does 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (North Devon District Hospital)
- Changing Places facilities are located on level 2, to the right of the Outpatients A reception.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 1 next to lifts 3 and 4 and in the standard toilets near lift 5. Also on level 2, inside the female toilets and next to the male toilets off the main hospital corridor.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level 0 opposite lifts 3 and 4 and to the right of the restaurant entrance, on level 1 next to lifts 3 and 4 and near lift 5, on level 2 off the main hospital entrance corridor, on level 3 next to lifts 3 and 4, on level 4 next to lifts 3 and 4 and on level 5 next to lifts 3 and 4.
- Shared standard toilet facilities are located in the Ladywell unit Maternity reception area.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the standard toilets in the Ladywell unit maternity reception area, in the shared accessible toilet on level 2 and the shared toilet, with transfer space on both sides, on level 1, in the standard male toilet next to lifts 3 and 4 on level 0 and also in the female standard toilets next to the restaurant on level 0.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- North Devon District Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- North Devon District Hospital – Parking link (new tab) - click here.
- North Devon District Hospital – Hospital Entrances link (new tab) - click here.
- North Devon District Hospital – Getting Around the Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- North Devon District Hospital – Toilets link (new tab) - click here.
