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Sexual Health

St Catherine’s Health Centre, Derby Road, Birkenhead, CH42 0LQ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • St Catherine's Health Centre is located on Derby Road just to the south of central Birkenhead. If approaching from the south it can be accessed from junction 3 of the M53 via the A552 . The A552 can also be accessed from Liverpool via the Queensway Tunnel.
    • There is an onsite car park for patients and visitors with free parking for a maximum of 3 hours. Please be aware that staying for longer than 3 hours will result in a Penalty Charge Notice. However some exemptions will apply so, for longer appointments, please speak to the reception staff before you leave the Health Centre. They will be able to assist you.
  • By Bus View
    • There are bus stops on Derby Road next to the Health Centre.
      Service 38 Gold and 38A stop here with direct links to Eastham Ferry, Bromborough, New Ferry, Eastham Rake, West Kirby and Saughall Massie.
      There are also bus stops on Church Road.
      The 487 and 711 bus services stop here with direct links to Birkenhead, Liverpool, Little Neston and Ness.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
    • The Derby Road bus stops are located to west of the Health Centre and the Church Road bus stops are located to the north east and south east of the Health Centre.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Green Lane which is located 1.1km away from the Health Centre.
      There are direct links to Ellesmere Port, Liverpool Central, Chester and Hooton from this station.
      The train company that operates from this station is Merseyrail.
  • Useful Links View

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Help and Assistance (Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • 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 staff at main reception.
  • Staff will always find a quiet space for patients when required but there is not a designated place of safety.

Hospital Parking (Main Patient and Visitor Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located off Derby Road, opposite the main 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 22 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).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located outside the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Free parking is limited to 3 hours.
    • There is additional Blue Badge parking in the staff car park for wheelchair service patients.

Getting To (Sexual Health)

  • Sexual Health is/are located in the Gemini Centre, on the second floor, in Wing 1.
  • Access to Sexual Health is via the main entrance.
  • Enter the building via the main entrance and proceed straight ahead until you reach the lift lobby on the right hand side. Take a lift up to the second floor. Exit the lift and turn left then right into the corridor and you will arrive at the Sexual Health entrance.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Sexual Health.
  • Sexual Health is approximately 9m from the lifts.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Approach

  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 142cm.
  • The bollard(s) does/do not have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 6 unmarked step(s), with handrails 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • Comments View
    • The bollards do have a visual identification band at the top.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, opposite the patient car park.
    • The entrance area/door is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm (4ft).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • After you go through the first door there is a power assisted revolving door in the centre with one push pad activated single door either side of the revolving door.
    • The door surveyed and photographed above is the one on the left closest to reception but the one on the right of the revolving door is identical.
    • The push pads for the second doors are at a height of 95cm.
    • There are temporary hand sanitising stations in the reception area.
    • There is an exit push pad for the first door that may be in use out of normal hours.
    • The height of the exit push pad is 95cm.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 1m from the department entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is tiles.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is 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.

Department / Service (Gemini Centre - Sexual Health)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Sexual Health is located in the Gemini Centre, on the second floor, in Wing 1.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and tiles.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, standard toilet facilities, a waiting room/area and consultation rooms.
    • There are 6 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/06/2021.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the first floor of the Health Centre.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter through a permanently held open single door.
    • The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the department entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 high (110cm+) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/06/2021.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lowered section at the counter at a height of 80cm.
    • The lowered section has a knee recess.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting 1)

  • There is / are 6 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 1.
  • 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) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • All 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 good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting 6)

  • There is / are 6 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 6.
  • 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) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • All 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located at the rear of the department.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is Braille, pictorial and 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 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 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
    • There is a fixed baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 95cm.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (St Catherine's Health Centre)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the same location (on the corridor to the right hand side of the atrium/lift lobbies) on the ground, first, second and third floors. There is an additional accessible toilet with a changing bed and a hoist on the lower ground floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located in the same location (on the corridor to the right hand side of the atrium/lift lobbies) on the ground, first, second and third floors.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the same location (the corridor on the right hand side of the building) on the ground, first, second and third floors.

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