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Firth 9

Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main hospital entrance to the Northern General Hospital is located off Barnsley Road, with another entrance off Herries Road. If you are using a sat nav to find the hospital please use the postcode S5 7AT or postcode S5 7AU.
    • The Blue Badge parking areas and the standard parking are located off Barnsley Road and Herries Road.
  • By Bus View
    • There are two bus routes within the northern general hospital. Buses 32 and H1. Bus 32 stops located within the Northern General Hospital are Herries Road, Outpatients 2, Estates Department, Clock Tower and Brearley Wing. H1 bus stops at the Clock Tower.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0114 271 2400.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request and large print on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the wooded area of Barnsley Road Drive.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, walking frames, mobile hoists, hoist slings and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located outside the Huntsman Building 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 payment machines in the car park.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.

Hospital Parking (Huntsman Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the 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 surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 598cm.
    • 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 at the front of the Huntsman Building main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • 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.

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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm 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 156cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Other Floors (Firth Wing)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, D, E.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift (Firth Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the Firth Wing.
  • The lift is approximately 135m (147yd 1ft) from the Huntsman main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C, D, E.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 131cm (4ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 159cm x 280cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 2in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Getting To (Firth 9)

  • Firth 9 is/are located on Level E of the Firth Wing.
  • Access to Firth 9 is via the main Huntsman Building entrance.
  • After entering the main Huntsman Building entrance, proceed ahead and through the double doors. Continue past the first bank of three lifts to the second bank with two lifts and take the lift to Level E. On exiting turn left and Firth 9 is to the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Firth 9.
  • Firth 9 is approximately 18m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the entrance and the department/service.
  • 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.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

Waiting Room / Area (Day Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 15m from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a 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 not 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 bright.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Hepatopancreaticobiliary ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 28 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) is/are heavy.
    • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • 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 with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • There is some flooring on the ward with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 107cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives room.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

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.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared washroom.
    • The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 333cm x 300cm (10ft 11in x 9ft 10in).
    • 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 163cm 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 89cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a wall which 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 140cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 56cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is sensor. 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.
    • 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 poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Washroom (Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared washroom.
    • 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 149cm x 297cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 9in).
    • 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 74cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is not a wash basin.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the main ward corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 261cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 128cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

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