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Tarka Ward

North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (North Devon District Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • 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.
  • By Bus View
    • 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.
  • By Train View
    • 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).
  • Useful Links View

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)

  • 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 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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.
  • Paying View
    • 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).
  • 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 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)

  • Parking View
    • 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.
  • 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 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).
  • 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 90m (98yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 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 (Tarka Ward)

  • The Tarka Ward is/are located on level 3.
  • Access to the Tarka Ward 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 to level 3.
    As you exit the lift, turn left and the entrance to the Tarka Ward is directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Tarka Ward.
  • The Tarka Ward is approximately 5m from the lifts 3 and 4.
  • 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)

  • 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.
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located from the drop off zone to the main hospital entrance, past the bollards.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • These lifts are for visitors.
    • There are 2 lifts opposite which are for staff only.

Other Floors (Central Stairwell)

  • Stairs View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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 (Tarka Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an respiratory medicine ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 7 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 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) 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 166cm (5ft 5in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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 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 on level 2 along the main corridor.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on level 3 along the main corridor.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
    • Visiting times are 10:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • There are overhead hoists in side rooms 5 and 6 and bays 2 and 3.

Washroom (Bay 3)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within bay 3.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 250cm x 258cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 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 is a/are coat hook(s) 150cm 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 74cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 120cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 126cm.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 102cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 70cm.
    • 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 112cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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 have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • 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 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Bay 3)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The interchangeable toilet is located within bay 3.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The toilet seats have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have horizontal wall mounted grab rails.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • There are dropdown rails available on both sides of the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar toilets in bays 1 and 2.

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.

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