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Accident & Emergency - Emergency Assessment Area

Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan, Lancashire, WN1 2NN

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Directions from the North
      Follow the M6 South bound heading for Wigan. At junction 27, Standish, leave the M6 and take the A5029 for approximately 600 yards. At the end of dual carriage way turn left for Wigan (A49). Continue on the A5029 heading for Wigan town centre.
      Continue through the first set of lights until you reach the second set of traffic lights at Standish Village. At these traffic lights turn right onto the High Street, heading for Wigan on the A49.
      Continue along the A49 following signs for Wigan town centre. Turn right at the roundabout and continue along the A49 for approximately two miles The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is to the right.
      Directions from the South
      Follow the M6 North bound heading for Wigan. At junction 25, leave the M6 and take the A49 for approximately 400 metres. At the roundabout take the third exit onto the B5238/Poolstock Lane. Continue on this road for approximately 2 miles. Turn left at the traffic lights following the B5238/Chapel Lane. Continue on this road following Chapel Lane through 4 sets of traffic lights.
      At the 5th set of lights take the A49 Preston/Standish. Continue along the A49 following signs for the hospital.
      The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is on the left hand side.
    • Car parking is available on a Pay and Display basis. It applies to all cars parks and includes disabled areas.
  • By Bus View
    • Wigan Lane is very well served by buses.
  • By Train View
    • Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate are the nearest railway stations. The hospital is a short taxi journey from the stations.
  • Useful Links View

Hospital Parking (Carpark D)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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 clearly marked/signposted 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 250cm x 500cm.
    • 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 in front of Accident and Emergency.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 30 minutes only.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 65m (71yd 3in) from the Emergency Assessment Entrance.

Opening Times (Emergency Assessment Area)

  • This service is open 24 hours.

Outside Access (Emergency Assessment Area Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital on Wigan Lane.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There is an intercom at this entrance.
  • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 141cm (4ft 8in).

Level Change (Emergency Assessment Area Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Reception (Emergency Assessment Area)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead on entering the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) 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 no 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 a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • The vending machine controls are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Vending machines are 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 medium.

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 available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Emergency Assessment Area)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Emergency Assessment Area.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • 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 can be brought in from another department.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Resuscitation Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Resuscitation 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) both ways.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • 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 can be brought in from another department.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is not a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the main corridor, ahead and to the left on entering the department.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 183cm (5ft 1in x 6ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are ultraviolet.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located in the main corridor, ahead on entering the department.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the department entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are ultraviolet.