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The Knowledge Hub

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

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Access Guide

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Overview (The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital)

  • About View
    • This is a specialist hospital site.
    • Services available in the venue include: departments and wards for patient consultation and treatment, a café and a shop.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the main corridor running from X-Ray towards the Café Royal canteen.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
    • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request) and different languages.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: an ATM machine, phone charging points and Wi-Fi.

Parking (Car Park C)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital, in front of the main hospital entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 11 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 126cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 6m from the main hospital entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders and visitors only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located between the car park and the main hospital entrance.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 4 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 226cm (width) x 364cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app.
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located facing the access road from Entrance C. The Knowledge Hub is the first building on the left after the gate.
    • There is not a drop-off point at this entrance.
    • 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.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 69cm.

Entrance (Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located from the main corridor, next to the MRI unit entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 123cm (4ft).
    • 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 124cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located after the entrance, leading up to the ground floor of the Knowledge Hub.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right, immediately after the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main 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 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.
  • 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 not a television.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small refreshment station with a counter top 94cm high to make hot drinks.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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 carpet.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Conference / Meeting Facilities (Lecture Theatre)

  • Conference/meeting facilities are available.
  • The conference/meeting facilities are located on the ground floor, to the left after the entrance foyer.
  • There is step-free access to the conference/meeting facilities.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room(s).
  • The lighting levels in the room(s) are adjustable.
  • The lecture theatre has tiered seating.
    There are designated spaces for wheelchair users in the front row, with tables on castors which can be moved to these areas as required.
    Access to other rows of seating is from the central aisle or steps at the rear of the lecture theatre.

Conference / Meeting Facilities (Breakout Space)

  • Conference/meeting facilities are available.
  • The conference/meeting facilities are located on the ground floor, ahead from the entrance foyer.
  • There is step-free access to the conference/meeting facilities.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room(s).
  • The lighting levels in the room(s) are good.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the mezzanine floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Ground Floor and Mezzanine.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The top 2 steps after the landing do not have handrails.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the entrance to the breakout room.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are Ground Floor and Mezzanine.
  • 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 high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm.
  • 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • 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 moderate to good.

Conference / Meeting Facilities (Mezzanine)

  • Conference/meeting facilities are available.
  • The conference/meeting facilities are located on the mezzanine level.
  • There is step-free access to the conference/meeting facilities, via lift.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room(s).
  • The lighting levels in the room(s) are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (G24)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, off the Spinal Topography waiting room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m from the main 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • 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 90cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 210cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 130cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 65cm.
    • 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 lever flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 general waste (with lid) 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 does not have a backrest or 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 high.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • 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 114cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Comments View
    • The alarm push button is 140cm high and not in reach from the toilet.
    • The waste bin in the transfer space is fixed to the wall.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor, off the rear corridor beyond the breakout space.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the main entrance.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The toilet seats have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 69cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The male toilet is shown in photographs 1 - 4.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor, off the breakout space.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located on each side of the row of wash basins.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The female toilets are shown in photographs 5 - 10.

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