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Vickers 3

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 (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.

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

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • 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 concrete.
    • 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 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • 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 not clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Vickers Wing Courtyard entrance.

Getting To (Vickers 3)

  • Vickers 3 is/are located on Level F of the Vickers Building.
  • Access to Vickers 3 is via the Vickers Courtyard entrance.
  • After entering the Vickers Courtyard corridor entrance, turn left through the double doors. Continue along the corridor to the sign for Renal Wards on the left, proceed through the entrance and take the lifts to Level E. On exiting turn right out of the lift lobby, turn left and continue to the end of the corridor. Enter through the doors signed 'Vickers 2 and 3' and turn right to the lifts, take the lift to Level F (marked as '1' on the lift buttons). On exiting the lift turn right and the entrance to Vickers 3 is directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Vickers 3.
  • Vickers 3 is approximately 6m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Vickers Courtyard entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Vickers Courtyard Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access 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 145cm.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 142cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is moderate.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outside Access (Vickers Corridor Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped 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.
    • The main 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 130cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is on Level E.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are D, E, F.
    • 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 the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the Vickers Corridor.
  • The lift is approximately 94m (102yd 2ft) from the Vickers Courtyard entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are D, E, F.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 131cm x 269cm (4ft 4in x 8ft 10in).
  • 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.

Entrance (Vickers 2 & 3 Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level E of the Vickers Building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 174cm.

Other Floors (Vickers 3)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are E and F.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift (Vickers 3)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter through the shared entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Vickers 2 & 3 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 E and F.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 140cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 152cm x 271cm.
  • 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Acute Medicine ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 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 176cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm (4ft).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 116cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 70cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • 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 05/03/2020.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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 located next to the Deli Bar on Level E.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located located next to the Deli Bar on Level E.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 08:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Day Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 5m from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 38cm (1ft 3in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are 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 moderate to good.

Washroom (Shower - Bay B)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in Bay B.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is dementia friendly 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 256cm x 192cm (8ft 5in x 6ft 4in).
    • 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 is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 83cm.
    • 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 116cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm.
    • 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 49cm (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 the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm.
    • 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 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 84cm.
    • 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 control type is lever.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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.

Washroom (Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a height adjustable bath and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is dementia friendly 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 420cm x 276cm (13ft 9in x 9ft 1in).
    • 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 not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • 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 height of the soap dispenser is 116cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The bath is height adjustable.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • A bath hoist is not 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 washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 237cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The 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 both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) 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.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour 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 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).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 116cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

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