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Dementia Ward

Downe Hospital, 2 Struell Wells Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RL

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Dementia Ward)

  • The Dementia Ward is located on the lower ground floor of the hospital.
  • The Dementia Ward is approximately 20m from the Left Side lifts.
  • From the car park, take the central path across two pedestrian crossings to the main entrance directly ahead.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
  • Access to the Dementia Ward is via the Main Entrance.
  • After entering via the main entrance, continue along the corridor straight ahead.
    At the four-way junction, take the corridor to the left.
    Continue to the end, where you will find the lifts on the left.
    Take the lift to the lower ground floor.
    Exit the lift lobby and turn left along the corridor.
    At the end of the corridor the Dementia Ward is located directly ahead.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Dementia Ward.
  • The most accessible route includes manual doors which are held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny .
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; accessible toilet (with left hand transfer), accessible toilet (with right hand transfer) and standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab)

Hospital Parking (Front Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital grounds.
    • 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) is/are clearly marked.
    • 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 228cm x 500cm (7ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 in front of the main entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
  • 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 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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 190cm.
    • 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 197cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a long slope with a very easy incline leading up to the entrance.

Lift (Left Side Lifts)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the very end of the corridor on the left side of the hospital.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main 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 LG, G.
  • 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 high.
  • Comments View
    • The lift was not in use at the time of the survey (04/09/2023).

Ward (Dementia Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an dementia ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 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 151cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 143cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 126cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is under 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are varied.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
  • 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 accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • Visiting times vary, please contact the ward in advance.
    • Protected meal times are between 8:30 to 9:30, 12 to 12:30, 4:30 to 5:00 and 9:00 to 9:30.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Dining Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is not always open.
  • Patients have to inform nurses if they want access to the dining room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is not a television.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • Lighting levels are varied.

Family Room (Lounge)

  • The family room is located at the rear right of the ward.
  • 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.
  • The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
  • The type of flooring in the family room is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the family room.
  • There are armchairs and sofas in the family room.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a refreshment counter.
  • There is not a sink.
  • There is not a television.
  • 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.

Washroom (Side Room - Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 20 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located off Side Room 6.
    • 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) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 187cm x 152cm (6ft 2in x 4ft 12in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm system in this washroom.
    • 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 85cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is sensor. 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 106cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 119cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • 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 71cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for 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 103cm.
    • 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 not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is push.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the ward entrance.
    • 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 138cm x 270cm (4ft 6in x 8ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 105cm from floor level.
    • 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 106cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are clinical waste and recycling bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 low.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 106cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 81cm.