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Education Centre

Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main hospital entrance to the Freeman Hospital is located off Freeman Road. The Freeman Hospital is at the north of Newcastle in High Heaton. It can be easily accessed by public transport or car. If you have a sat nav, postcode is NE7 7DN.
    • The Blue Badge parking areas and the multi storey car park are located off Freeman Road.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop to the Freeman Hospital main entrance is located on Freeman Road. There are two Bus services. Zone 27 routes 3,18,32,38,A. Zone 17 routes 3,6,7,8,18,32,38,340,16.
  • By Train View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located at the front right of the first corridor on the right as you enter via the main entrance.
  • To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.
  • Interpreting services can be provided by the Trust and confirmation of booking details can be provided by the PALS team.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located to the right as you face 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 Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 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 592cm (12ft x 19ft 5in).
    • 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 not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • 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.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • Comments View
    • In order to ensure vehicles are registered for free parking on the day of attendance, Blue Badge holders are required to provide their registration number to reception, by telephone to 0191 2231353 or via email to [email protected]. This applies for each visit to the hospital.

Outside Access (Main 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 and 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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 3 step(s).
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not 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.

Reception

  • The main reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
  • The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are bright.
  • The height of the reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
  • There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • No Braille signage is available.
  • No tactile signage is available.
  • No pictorial signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • It is advised to check with hospital staff in advance when booking/using a room, as only larger rooms have loop systems.

Entrance (Lecture Theatre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the corridor ahead from the main entrance, to the right.
    • 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 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 148cm.

Lecture Theatre(s)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are not designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is/are 11 medium (11cm-17cm) step(s) for access to the designated seating.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and does/do not have handrails.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the lectern is 110cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Room(s) (Training Room 1)

  • The room surveyed was Training Room 1.
  • Training Room 1 is located to the right of the reception desk.
  • Access View
    • There are 7 Training Rooms, 2 Simulation Rooms and 2 Clinical Bays.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 72cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a television screen.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 69cm and 71cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Room(s) (Training Room 2)

  • The room surveyed was Training Room 2.
  • Training Room 2 is located to the right of the reception desk.
  • Access View
    • There are 7 Training Rooms, 2 Simulation Rooms and 2 Clinical Bays.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 72cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a television screen.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 72cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both side within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Room(s) (QCPR Training room)

  • The room surveyed was QCPR Training room.
  • QCPR Training room is located on the ground floor of the Education Centre.
  • Access View
    • There are 7 Training Rooms, 2 Simulation Rooms and 2 Clinical Bays.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a projector screen and a whiteboard.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 69cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both side within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The layout of the room can be changed for each class.
  • Comments View
    • training room 1 door width135
    • traing room 2 door width 86.

Room(s) (Simulation Room 2)

  • The room surveyed was Simulation Room 2.
  • Simulation Room 2 is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • Access View
    • There are 7 Training Rooms, 2 Simulation Rooms and 2 Clinical Bays.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a projector screen and a whiteboard.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 69cm and 71cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both side within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the Education Centre corridor, within the standard toilets.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 230cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 164cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 101cm.
    • 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 height of the towel dispenser is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Male - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the standard male toilets, opposite the lecture theatre entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a male 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 218cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 2in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 166cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the corridor to the right of the main entrance, on the left.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located ahead and to the left, opposite the lecture theatre entrance.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.

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