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Mental Health Services

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Mental Health)

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).

Entrance (Mental Health Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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 131cm (4ft 4in).
    • 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 150cm.

Ward (Mental Health)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 25 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 25 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 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 79cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • The intercom for the reception is 89cm high.
  • 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 not 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 the ground floor and within the centre of the hospital.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor and within the centre of the hospital.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 08:00 to 09:00,12:00 to 13:00, and 17:00 to 18:00.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting 1)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 1.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Day Room / Lounge Area (TV Room 1)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 15m from the Mental Health 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are sofas only.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 117cm (3ft 10in).
  • 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 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 good.

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 unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the unit corridor and on the right.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 281cm x 407cm (9ft 3in x 13ft 4in).
    • The washroom does 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 not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 87cm.
    • 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 117cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 138cm.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 102cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 90cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 74cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The bath is height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is push button. 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 for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The visual contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (WC2 - No Lateral Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the end of the unit corridor and on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the Mental Health 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 visual contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The visual contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 161cm x 163cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 4in).
    • 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 not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is poor.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 128cm.
    • 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).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Toilet with Adaptations (Patient Toilet - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the end of the units main corridor and on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m from the Mental Health 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 visual contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The visual contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 239cm x 276cm (7ft 10in x 9ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 104cm 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 171cm.
    • There is a flush 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 the left.
    • There is not 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 poor.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste 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.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is poor.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 127cm.
    • 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 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.