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Helen McArdle House

University of Sunderland, City Campus, Silksworth Row, Sunderland , SR1 3QR

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located via the main entrance on the ground floor, through two sets of automatic doors and one set of double manual doors, then ahead.
      On the first floor right after exiting the lift.
      On the second floor right after exiting the lift.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located via the main entrance on the ground floor, through two sets of automatic doors and one set of double manual doors, then ahead.
      On the first floor right after exiting the lift.
      On the second floor right after exiting the lift.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located via the main entrance on the ground floor, through two sets of automatic doors and one set of double manual doors, then ahead.
      On the first floor right after exiting the lift.
      On the second floor right after exiting the lift.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located via the main entrance on the ground floor, through two sets of automatic doors and one set of double manual doors, then ahead.
      On the first floor right after exiting the lift.
      On the second floor after right after exiting the lift.
  • COVID-19 Information View

Rooms and Spaces Links

Rooms and Spaces Links

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here (City Campus)

  • By Road View
    • The City Campus is located to the west of Sunderland city centre and can be accessed from the A183 Chester Road from the west, the A1231 St Michael's Way from the south and east and the A1232 Silksworth Row or A183 Lancaster Road from the north.
    • There is limited pay and display parking across the campus on a first come first served basis.
      If you’re a Blue Badge holder, you can register your vehicle for University Blue Badge parking. This enables you to park for free, in designated disabled parking bays on campus.
      Due to the location of the campuses and the large number of students and staff you are not guaranteed a parking space.
      The University operates a cashless parking system. Students and staff may be eligible to register their vehicle with the University which reduces the cost of parking on campus.
      Visitors attending conferences, training or other events at the University should seek advice on parking from the relevant Faculty/Service they are meeting.
    • For more information on parking at the University of Sunderland please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • There are bus stops on Chester Road that are served by the following Go North East bus services:
      2 Berries, 2A Berries, 35 Cherry, 35A Cherry, 39 Graphite (eastbound), 39A Graphite, 78 Country Ranger, 135 (eastbound), 136 (westbound), 701 Sunderland Comet, 702 Sunderland Comet, and route 935.
      There are additional services at the same stops operated by Stagecoach:
      8, 8A, 16 (westbound), X24 and X24A. There are additional bus stops to the north of the campus on Silksworth Row and St Michaels Way.
    • For more information on Go North East bus services in the Sunderland area please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • By Metro View
    • The nearest Metro station is University.
    • The University stop is located at the south end of the City Campus off the A183 Chester Road.
      The station is step free with ramped access to both platforms.
      Ticket vending machines and Help Points are located at the rear of each ticketing area.
      This station is unstaffed and there are no toilet facilities.
    • For more information please click here (opens new tab).

Useful Information

  • The Disability Support Team (DST) provide information, support and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia) and long-term medical conditions.
    Our area of expertise is learning support; if you feel that your condition or impairment is having an impact upon your studies, you can contact us.
    We are the starting point for you to discuss and organise your learning support.
    We are a confidential and individual service.
    Disability Support Advisers are available to meet students on a one-to-one basis to discuss their particular needs and help them put support arrangements in place.
  • To see more information on Disability Support Team please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2952.
  • Email: [email protected].
  • Anyone can experience thoughts and feelings that are distressing or affect their ability to concentrate on their work or studies.
    Looking after your physical health is fundamental to student success.
    We are here to support you, and your Wellbeing Team provides a range of support in relation to all your health needs.
    It is very important to ensure you can access the support you need when you need it.
    We work alongside the Disability Support Team for all students with a diagnosed condition.
    The Disability Support Team (DST) provides information, support, and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties.
    Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia), and long-term medical conditions.
  • To see more information on Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2933.
  • Email: [email protected].
  • We offer a great choice of accommodation for you to choose from and our rent prices include heating, lighting, water, fuel, Wi-Fi and personal possessions insurance.
    All of our residences are in a great location for students studying at either City Campus or Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    They are all within walking distance of Sunderland City Centre with access to supermarkets, bars/restaurants, theatres/cinema and transport links.
  • To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2943.
  • Email: [email protected].
  • The Gateway is your one-stop shop for all your enquiries.
    No matter what your question is, we’ll be able to help resolve your issue or at least advise on what you need to do next and we'll keep you informed along the way through our enquiry system, Compass.
    Alongside our extensive online support via Compass and our Self Service on e:Vision, you will also be able to find support at both our City and Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    We have an Enquiry Desk at each campus ready to help you when you need it:
    City Campus - Gateway Building
    Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's - Prospect Building.
  • To see more information on Gateway Enquiries please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2222.
  • Email: [email protected].
  • Library Services deliver a range of services, spaces, and support across the learning community.
    In collaboration with the community, they support learners' engagement with their studies and underpin the University's academic, research, and graduate success.
    The services are personalised and accessible, and blend digital and print, providing customised resources.
    These collections support teaching, learning, and research both on-and off- campus.
    The library flexible learning spaces offer varied environments appropriate to changing student and staff needs.
    The library staff skills support enables learners to get the very best from library collections and develop lifelong learning and career skills.
  • To see more information on Library Services please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 3691.
  • Email: [email protected].

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Helen McArdle House Car Park.
    • The car park is located in front of Helen McArdle House.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Johnson Street Pay and Display Car Park.
    • The car park is located off Johnson Street, adjacent to Helen McArdle House.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Johnson Street.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Helen McArdle House)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the front of the main entrance of Helen McArdle House.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 244cm x 470cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The marked zone is 114cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, students, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking charges apply for all except Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • Blue Badge holders can register their vehicle for University Blue Badge free parking in designated disabled parking bays on campus via the link below.
      Parking at both campuses is first come, first served.
      You are not guaranteed a parking space.
      Staff and students who do not live at university accommodation may register their vehicle with the university which reduces the cost of parking on campus.
      The university operates a cashless parking system that allows payment by the following methods:
      • Via the JustPark app, available from Google Play or iTunes, if you have a smartphone, including paying in advance.
      • By following the directions on car parking signs if you do not have a smartphone.
      • By using the two cashless parking terminals at the northern entrance to Gateway building on City Campus or the southern entrance to the Reg Vardy Centre on Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
      Students in University accommodation must register their vehicle, entitling them to free parking at their accommodation site.
      However, they are not permitted to park on teaching campuses between 8am – 5pm on weekdays and are encouraged to use the University’s free campus bus and Connect service. Where requested, the University website link is as follows. https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/help/contact-us/parking/.
  • Comments View
    • There are two additional two blue badge bays right outside of the building to the right of the Patient Transfer Suite entrance (see pictures 7 and 8).
    • This car park is not for the public.
    • If the vehicle is not registered with the estate's office, visitors will pay a higher parking fee per hour.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at front of the Helen McArdle Building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Helen McArdle Building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Main Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • 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 130cm.

Outside Access (Patient Transfer Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located adjacent to the main entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to Ward 120, Ward 122, Resuscitation and Operating Theatre, RQI Stations 1 and 2.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Patient Transfer Suite'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 104cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • 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 133cm.

Reception (Patient Transfer Suite)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in the foyer ahead and to the right from the Patient Transfer Suite entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Patient Transfer Suite 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, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/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 72cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 68cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Security Barriers View
    • This is a mock reception desk in the Patient Transfer Suite.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet .
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located on level 1, to the left on entering the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, and 3.
    • There are 10 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do 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.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • The lift is located via the main entrance, on the ground floor, to the left after going through the third set of doors on entering.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1600kg 21 persons.
  • 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 136cm x 244cm (4ft 6in x 8ft).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 1 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 1, ahead from main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a gender neutral 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 heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 left.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • 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 good.
    • 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.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located via the lift on level 2, right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a gender neutral 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 left.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord 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 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • 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 good.
    • 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.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 3, to the right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a gender neutral 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • 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 good.
    • 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.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located opposite the main entrance doors.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The placement of vertical wall mounted grab rails vary between the ambulant cubicles.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 75cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There are similar toilets on level 2 and 3.