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Audiology and ENT Outpatients

Ulster Hospital, Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1RH

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Audiology and ENT Outpatients)

  • Audiology and ENT Outpatients is located on level 0 of the Outpatients Block.
  • Audiology and ENT Outpatients is approximately 150m from the Critical Care Complex lifts.
  • The route from the multi-storey car park has a sloped path before you cross a service road.
    After the crossing there are several bollards on the pathway that leads to Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block entrance.
    . This crossing can be bypassed via the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block drop off point.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
  • Access to Audiology and ENT Outpatients is via the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block entrance.
  • After entering the hospital via the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block entrance, enter the Critical Care Complex lifts that are ahead and to the right.
    Take the lift to level 0.
    Exit the lift and proceed along the corridor to the right.
    Continue towards the very end of this corridor and you will come to the main entrance lobby.
    Turn right, and go through the automatic doors.
    The lift to Audiology and ENT Outpatients is on the right.
    Take the lift to level 1.
    The door into Audiology and ENT Outpatients is ahead.
    There is also an external entrance for the department, which is accessed via a ramp or steps.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Audiology and ENT Outpatients.
  • Some flooring is shiny .
  • There are 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) 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 (Multi-Storey Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located on the right side of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • There is a push button control at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • 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 clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located within the multi-storey car park entrance lobby.
    • 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).
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block entrance.

Outside Access (Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the right side of the hospital grounds.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There are bollards outside this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 135cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 182cm.
    • 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 168cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a long, very easy slope in front of this entrance.

Lift (Critical Care Complex Lifts)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter the hospital via the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Critical Care Complex and Acute Services Block 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 L0, L1, L2, L3 and L4.
  • 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.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 156cm x 138cm (5ft 1in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The internal lift controls are between 85cm to 111cm high.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Lift (ENT and Audiology Outpatients Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left side of the Outpatients block.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • 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 not 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.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 139cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Outside Access (ENT and Audiology Outpatients External Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital, to the left of the hospital main entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm (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 single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 146cm.
    • 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 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (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).

Department / Service (Audiology and ENT Outpatients)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Audiology and ENT Outpatients is located on level 0 of the outpatients block.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, a sub waiting area, consultation rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 11 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Opening Times (Audiology and ENT Outpatients)

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Reception (Audiology and ENT Outpatients Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter Audiology and ENT Outpatients.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Audiology and ENT Outpatients 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 moderate to 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable 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 14/08/2023.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without 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 a television.
    • Subtitles are not 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Waiting Room / Area (Audiology Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the Audiology and ENT Outpatients entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • 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.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 51cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 76cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 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 moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room 1)

  • There is / are 10 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room 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 78cm (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 no chairs with armrests available.
  • All 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Audiology Booth Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Audiology Booth Room.
  • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is not 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • All 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.
  • Comments View
    • The door to the booth has an open width of 73cm.
    • There is a 10cm step into the booth.
    • The booth was not in use at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (No Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the Audiology and ENT Outpatients corridor, on the left.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m from the Audiology and ENT Outpatients 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 low.
    • 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 (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 209cm (4ft 5in x 6ft 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 103cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general waste (with lid) and clinical waste 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 68cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 lever mixer.
    • 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 105cm.
    • 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • 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 98cm.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is also the female standard toilet.

Standard Toilet(s) (Male Toilet)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located along the Audiology and ENT Outpatients corridor, on the left.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the Audiology and ENT Outpatients entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 72cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.