Access Guide
Overview (Northern General Hospital)
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About
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- This is a hospital with multiple services available.
- Facilities available in the venue include: A charity shop, pharmacies, cafes, cash machines.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest train station is Sheffield.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- 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.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- Levels A, B, C, D, E, F and G can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- 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.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: an ATM machine, a pay phone, Wi-Fi and TV pre-pay machines for patients.
Parking (Huntsman Entrance - Accessible Parking and Drop-Off)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the south side of the hospital site, in front of the Huntsman Building.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 229cm (width) x 454cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 125cm.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 31m from Huntsman Building - Entrance 3.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes, uneven surfaces and bollards.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located in front of the Huntsman Building entrance.
Parking (Car Park E)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the south side of the hospital site.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 227cm (width) x 491cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 125m from Huntsman Building - Entrance 3.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes, steep ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders 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 at the front and rear of the car park.
- There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is not a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Entrance (Huntsman Building - Entrance 3)
- This entrance is located on the south side of the hospital site.
- The approach to the entrance has bollards.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 151cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors .
- The second set of doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 153cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 178cm.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
Reception
- The main reception is located directly ahead on entering.
- The reception area/desk is approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
- The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are medium.
- The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
- There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the system.
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.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- There is some flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 25m from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate and wood.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 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 bright.
Stairs (Next to Huntsman Lifts - NGL 2 and 3)
- The stairs surveyed are located in the Huntsman Building off the main corridor.
- Level B, C, D, E, F and G can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift (Huntsman Building - NGL 2 and 3)
- The lift surveyed is located off the Huntsman Building main corridor.
- The distance from Huntsman Building Entrance 3 is 40m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- Level B, C, D, E, F and G are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast and tactile markings.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 129cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 146cm (width) x 244cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast and tactile markings.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Other Floors (Firth Wing)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, D, E.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Lift (Firth Wing)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located within the Firth Wing.
- The lift is approximately 135m (147yd 1ft) from the Huntsman main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C, D, E.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 131cm (4ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 159cm x 280cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 2in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is low.
Changing Places
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Location and access
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- The facility is located on the main Huntsman Building corridor.
- The facility is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
- There is level access to the facility.
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Dimensions and features
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- You do need a key for the facility.
- It is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from main reception.
- The dimensions of the facility are 282cm x 453cm (9ft 3in x 14ft 10in).
- The facility changing bench is free standing.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 205cm (6ft 9in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
- The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
- The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- Wall mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- Drop down rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- A privacy screen is not available.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The facility has a non slip floor.
- A functioning emergency alarm is available.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located on the Huntsman Building main corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 184cm x 225cm (6ft x 7ft 5in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 99cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the right of the main Huntsman Building corridor.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Wheelchair Stations
- If you have mobility issues and need help getting around the site, you can access a hospital wheelchair from one of the wheelchair stations, located at main entrances.
- You may need a £1 coin or trolley token to access a chair.
- If you have any issues, please speak to a volunteer, receptionist or porter who will be able to assist.
- Locations can be found here.
