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Hydrotherapy

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2AP

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is located South West of central Birmingham, just off the A38 Bristol Road.
      There are several entrances to the site.
      The main hospital entrance can be reached by Gate C.
      The Pharmacy, Outpatients, Day Admissions and HDU can be reach by Entrance A.
      Entrance B is the pedestrian entrance.
    • There are Blue Badge bays located near most main entrances to the buildings.
      Car parking is available for patients and visitors to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFT, however at peak times the car parks can become congested and spaces are limited.
      The pay and display pay stations accept both credit/debit cards payment and the following coins: £2, £1, 50p, 20p and 10p.
      Please obtain a ticket before you leave your car and ensure that it is clearly displayed on you dash board or window. (The pay machines do not accept notes - there is a change machine available opposite the entrance to the X-ray Department).
      A parking attendant is available from 07:00 to 18:30, Monday – Friday, based in Gate C car park. Daily Parking charges are:
      Up to 2 hours - £3.80
      Up to 5 hours - £5.00
      Up to 24 hours - £7.50
      A 20 minutes drop off facility is available free of charge. Please obtain a free ticket from the pay and display machine and display in your vehicle.
      Blue badge holder charges are:
      Up to 5 hours - £3.80
      Up to 24 hours - £7.50
      Alternative payment methods include:
      Pay by phone: 01895 262122
      Pay by text: 68680
      Pay by web www.apcoaconnect.com
      Pay by App: download the Apcoa Connect App. The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Car Park location code is 4012
      Patient parking charge concessions – Weekly Tickets
      Reduced car park fees are available for patients in certain circumstances which may require regular or long term visits.
      Please pick up a form from the ward or department you are visiting or from the welcome desk situated at the main entrance to the Outpatients Department.
      The cost is £17.50 per week.
      Please note, weekly tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Ward 3 patients can apply for a separate weekly ticket costing £10.
      For more information please see the parking attendant on-site, call 0345 301 1151 or visit the APCOA Connect website at www.apcoaconnect.com (opens in new tab).
  • By Bus View
    • There are 2 main bus stops located on the A38 Bristol Road, near Gate A.
      The services here include the 61, X20, 63 and 144 which is run by First Group and NX bus.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • By Train View
    • Northfield Station is approximately 1.1 - 1.2 miles (23 - 24 minute walk) via the Bristol Road South/A38, B4121 and Bristol Road South/A38 or Woodland Road.
      This would take approximately 4 minutes via taxi.
      There is step-free access via lifts at this station.
      Selly Oak station is also near and on the A38, with lift access to reach the 61 and 63 bus services to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0121 685 4128.
  • 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.
  • Volunteers can be found near the main hospital entrance.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a porter or any member of staff.
  • Comments View
    • There is a PALS department at ROH, but the best way of contacting is by phone or email.

Hospital Parking (Gate C - Car Park C)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located off the Entrance C access road, opposite the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • 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 240cm x 470cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
    • 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 make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located near the main entrance, between the Blue Badge bays.
    • 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 clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are a further 4 Blue Badge bays located in front of the physiotherapy gym which is part of Car Park C.
    • The dimensions of these bays are 240cm x 480cm.
    • The nearest bay is approximately 10 metres from the entrance to the physiotherapy gym.
    • These bays can be seen in photographs 4 and 5.
    • There are no payment machines near this area.
    • Free parking for 20 minutes is available.

Getting To (Hydrotherapy)

  • Hydrotherapy is/are located on the first floor.
  • Access to Hydrotherapy is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance, turn left and go straight down the corridor.
    Then turn right past x-ray and following the corridor, then turn left.
    Go down the steep ramp and through a set of double doors.
    The entrance to Hydrotherapy will be on the left.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to Hydrotherapy.
  • Hydrotherapy is approximately 209m from the main hospital entrance.
  • 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.

Level Change (Main Hospital Corridor)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located between X-Ray and Hydrotherapy.
  • The ramp/slope is steep.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are varied.
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This ramp leads from the main entrance to the Café Royale Restaurant, Hydrotherapy, Discharge Lounge and the other side of the hospital.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of Car Park C.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 270cm.
    • The bollard(s) does/do not have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do 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 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 220cm.
    • 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 132cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a testing station approximately 6m from the second set of doors.
    • Here your temperature will be taken, and hand gel and a mask given to you before you can proceed within the hospital.

Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday Closed.
  • Wednesday Closed.
  • Thursday Closed.
  • Friday Closed.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • During the Covid-19 pandemic opening times are subject to change.
    • Please contact the unit for further information.

Department / Service

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Hydrotherapy is located off the main corridor of the first floor.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and tiles.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • 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, consultation rooms, standard toilet facilities, a waiting room/area and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
    • There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left beyond the department entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the department 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 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
  • 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 vinyl/laminate.
    • There is 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 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 (Consultant Room)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consultant 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no 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.

Hydro-Pool

  • There are 11 clearly marked steps with handrails on both sides to enter the pool.
  • A manual hoist is available.
  • There is a movable wet chair and an adjustable trolley which can be used to enter the pool area.
  • The tiles around the pool are textured.
  • There are showers near the entrance to the pool area.
  • There is level access to the showers.
  • The showers have grab rails, adjustable heads and lever mixer taps.

Accessible Changing Room

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located off the main corridor.
  • The facility is 21m (22yd 2ft) from the entrance.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 253cm x 157cm (8ft 4in x 5ft 2in).
  • There is not a sink.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • There is not a changing bench.
  • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • Comments View
    • There is an adjustable bed, a chair with armrests on both sides and a privacy curtain in the area (photographs 1 and 2).
    • There is a second changing area available that is accessed via a sliding door that is 78cm wide (photographs 3, 4 and 5).
    • This room is 245cm wide by 258 depth.
    • This room has an adjustable bed and chairs without armrests.

Standard Changing Cubicle / Room (Changing Room 1)

  • The changing cubicle/room is located beyond the reception area.
  • The changing cubicle/room is 12m from the waiting room/area.
  • There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 70cm.
  • The type of flooring in the room is tiles.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the cubicle/room.
  • There is a bench seating in the cubicle/room.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the changing cubicle/room.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There are 6 standard changing rooms.
    Lockers are located outside the changing rooms, with key heights at 74cm and 76cm.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the waiting room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m from the department 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 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
    • 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 254cm x 245cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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 90cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 103cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 sanitary and 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.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 125cm.
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located in the changing room area.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 24m from the department entrance.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is good.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right above the sink.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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