Access Guide
Getting Here (Bishop's Castle Community Hospital)
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By Road
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- Bishop's Castle Community Hospital is located on Union Street.
The hospital can be accessed via the A488 from the north and south by taking the B4384, Schoolhouse Lane at the Lovell Lane Crossroads, and continuing along this road on to Bull Lane.
Turn left onto Bull Street, then follow Bull Street until it becomes Union Street. The hospital is on the right.
From the west, approach is via the B4385.
On entering Bishops Castle, continue ahead and the turn into Bull Street is on the right.
For sat nav location enter SY9 5AJ. - Patient and visitor car parking is available within the open air/surface car park, located at the front of the site.
There are marked Blue Badge bays located within this car park.
- Bishop's Castle Community Hospital is located on Union Street.
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By Bus
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- The nearest available bus stop is located on Church Street and is approximately 350m from the Hospital.
The services provided at this bus stop include the 553 and the 745.
- The nearest available bus stop is located on Church Street and is approximately 350m from the Hospital.
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By Train
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- The nearest station is Craven Arms, located approximately 10 miles away.
Getting Help and Assistance (Bishop's Castle Community Hospital)
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow to use around the building.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There is a/are hearing assistance system(s) available.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 24/03/2025.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- Home visits services are not available.
Parking (Bishop's Castle Community Hospital)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located in front of the hospital.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 230cm x 465cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 3in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 13m (14yd 8in) from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- 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 car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
- The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Getting To (Ward)
- The Ward is/are located at the rear of the hospital.
- Access to The Ward is via the the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- Enter via the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance and go straight ahead past the reception desk.
The ward is located on the left.. - There is step free access to The Ward.
- The Ward is approximately 25m from the the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- There are resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
Outside Access (Bishop's Castle Community Hospital)
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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 or stepped 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.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 107cm.
- 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 108cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the main entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).
Reception (Bishop's Castle Community Hospital)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 24/03/2025.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is available.
- There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Entrance (Ward)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located ahead and left from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital entrance.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 145cm (4ft 9in).
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- 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 172cm.
Inpatient Unit / Ward (Ward)
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Unit / Ward Information
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- This is a shared unit/ward.
- There is/are 4 bedroom(s) available.
- The bedrooms have ensuite facilities.
- There is/are 16 bed(s) on this unit/ward in total.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is level access throughout the unit/ward.
- Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the unit/ward.
- There is clear signage on the unit/ward.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring on the unit/ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The unit/ward does not play background music.
- A mobile hoist is available on the unit/ward.
- There is an accessible washroom with a wheel in shower for patients on the unit/ward.
- There are not accessible toilet facilities for patients on the unit/ward.
- Toilets suitable for ambulant disabled patients are available on the unit/ward.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There is a relatives' room on the unit/ward.
- There are accessible toilet facilities on the unit/ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the relatives room.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the unit/ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the hospital reception area.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 11:00 - 20:00 hrs.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
Resident Bedroom (Bedroom 3)
- This type of accessible room is located on the ward corridor.
- There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
- All accessible rooms of this type have similar specifications.
- Residents do not need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
- The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
- The accessible room surveyed is located on the ward corridor, opposite the Nurses Station.
- The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was Bedroom 3.
- There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
- The visual contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The door is manual with a key lock.
- The width of the door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- There are not lowered spy holes available.
- The visual contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The bed height is adjustable.
- The bed is moveable.
- The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
- The desk N/A height adjustable.
- The room surveyed had an armchair.
- Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
- The window controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is not an emergency alarm in the room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- The visual contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels in the room are varied.
- There is a moveable, height adjustable table available.
- This information relates to the ensuite.
- The visual contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
- The bathroom door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door into the bathroom is 90cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The visual contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 140cm x 205cm.
- The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
- The visual contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
- The emergency pull cord alarm in the ensuite is within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- 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 97cm.
- The visual between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- The toilet seat visual contrast is high.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 92cm (3ft).
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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 116cm (3ft 10in).
Reception (Nurses Station)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located centrally on the ward corridor.
- The reception point is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the ward entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Family Room (Relative Room)
- The family room is located on the ward corridor.
- There is step-free access to the family room.
- The family room is clearly signed.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm.
- The type of flooring in the family room is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the family room.
- There are chairs with armrests on both sides.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- There is a refreshment counter.
- The height of the counter is 96cm.
- The height of the lowered section of the refreshment counter is 62cm.
- The counter has a clear knee recess.
- There is a sink.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- There is not a water dispenser available.
- There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- Background music is not played in the room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels in the room are varied.
- Table nest heights are between 33cm and 53 cm.
Washroom (Relative Room Ensuite)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located in the Relative Room.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is shared.
- There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 150cm x 178cm (4ft 11in x 5ft 10in).
- 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 not a mirror.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are pedal bin 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 110cm.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is not a wheel in shower.
- The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
- The shower tray is accessed via a deep step.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The visual 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 medium.
- The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a dropdown rail on the left side of the toilet.
Washroom (Assisted 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 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located on the ward corridor, ahead and left from the Nurses Station.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly 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 light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 375cm (6ft 7in x 12ft 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- 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 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 72cm.
- 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 87cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin 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).
- 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 118cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 68cm.
- 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 right.
- 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 105cm.
- There is not a shelf 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.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The visual 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat visual 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 good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Bishop's Castle Community Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
