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Spa Medica

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

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 (Spa Medica)

  • Spa Medica is/are located on the third floor, in Wing 3. There are also two additional consulting rooms located in Dental Service in Wing 1 (also on the third floor).
  • Access to Spa Medica 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 third floor. Exit the lift and turn left then left again into the corridor. Follow the corridor until you reach the Spa Medica reception on the right hand side.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Spa Medica.
  • Spa Medica is approximately 35m 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.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2, 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 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 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the centre of the atrium, just past reception.
  • The lift is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, 0, 1, 2, 3.
  • 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 112cm x 210cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the second floor in Wing 3, outside the department entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the lifts.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the lift.
    • There is step free access to the reception point, via lift.
    • 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 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.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • 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 tiles.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • 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 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 (Wing 3 - Consultation Rooms and Theatre)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Spa Medica is located on the third floor, in Wing 3. There are also 2 additional consulting rooms located in Dental Service in Wing 1 (also on the third floor).
    • 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 87cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery 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; consultation rooms, a sub waiting area, a treatment room and a main reception.
    • There are 3 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are not trained to use the system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
    • Standard toilet facilities are located on the third floor of the Health Centre.

Waiting Room / Area (Sub - Wing 3 - Consultation Rooms and Theatre)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 2m from the department entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not 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 not a television.
  • Vending machines are available.
  • A water dispenser is available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Wing 3 - Clinic Room 1)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Wing 3 - Clinic Room 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 not a bed / couch.
  • 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Wing 1 - Dental - Recovery)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Recovery.
  • 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 double width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the consultation room corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m 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 Braille, written text and 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 210cm.
    • The accessible toilet does 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 lateral transfer space is 95cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a 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 visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 112cm from the floor.
  • 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 75cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 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 low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 99cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • This cubicle is signed as 'Spec. WC'.
    • There are two emergency alarm buttons at heights of 22cm and 77cm from the floor.

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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