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Ward 37 - Critical Care Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Ward 37)

  • Ward 37 is/are located on level 3 of the Institute of Transplantation Building.
  • Access to Ward 37 is via the Institute of Transplantation entrance.
  • After entering the Institute of Transplantation main entrance, take the lifts to level 3. Ward 37 is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 37.
  • Ward 37 is approximately 15m from the lift.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Institute of Transplantation Accessible Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the right side of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 247cm (width) x 494cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the Institute of Transplantation accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Institute of Transplantation Accessible Entrance

  • This entrance is located on the right side of the hospital building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 117cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 100cm.
  • There is also a set of revolving doors at this entrance.
  • This entrance brings you into level 2 of the Institute of Transplantation.

Institute of Transplantation Lifts

  • The lift surveyed is located on the right side of the Institute of Transplantation entrance foyer.
  • The distance from the Institute of Transplantation accessible entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 2500kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 140cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 175cm (width) x 269cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Entrance

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the main corridor link from the Cardiothoracic building and NCCC building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 206cm.

Reception (Main Ward Reception)

  • The Main Ward Reception is located on Level 3 of the Institute of Transplantation Building.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lifts.
  • 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 medium.
  • The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • 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 a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Critical Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 16 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 22 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 163cm (5ft 4in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 105cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 77cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives room is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear turning space in the relatives room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives room.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
  • 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located next to main reception desk.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main ward corridor.

Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 35m from the ward 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 vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • 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 medium.

Washroom (Ward Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The accessible washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared accessible washroom.
    • The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
    • The accessible washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 272cm x 545cm (8ft 11in x 17ft 11in).
    • The accessible washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 130cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifictions, 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 75cm.
    • 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 102cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 92cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The accessible washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The accessible washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • Toilet Details View
    • 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 85cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 345cm.
    • 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 both sides.
    • 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 102cm.
    • 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 head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external accessible washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal accessible washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (On Ward)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the ward corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 232cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 122cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Area)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left hand side of the main reception desk.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 230cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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).
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 125cm.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

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