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Main Outpatients

Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN

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Access Guide

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Multi-Storey Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park is multi-storey.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 200cm.
    • There are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 228cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 118cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 150m from the Northern Centre for Cancer Care accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight slopes.
    • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors, Blue Badge holders and permit holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Yellow Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 52 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 415cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 128cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 85m from the Outpatients Department entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep slopes.
    • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Outpatients Department Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the hospital building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 128cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 128cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • This entrance brings you into level 2 of the podium block.

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.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Main Outpatients Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located ahead as you enter the hospital via the Main entrance.
    • The distance from the Outpatients Department entrance is 55m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 71cm.
    • The reception has a television, screens and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • Seating is fixed.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
    • The tables are fixed.

Waiting Room / Area (Main Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 30m from the Outpatients 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.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are audible and 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • 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 medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Ambulance Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the Main Outpatients 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.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • Some 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • 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 medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Clinic F Sub Waiting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 70m from the Main Outpatients 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.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • 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 medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Phlebotomy Waiting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 45m from the Main Outpatients 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) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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.
  • 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 medium.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2-3.
    • The stairs are located directly ahead when you enter the outpatients main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (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

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the reception.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2-3.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 129cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 141cm x 241cm (4ft 8in x 7ft 11in).
  • 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.

Eating and Drinking (RVS Coffee Bar)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Coffee Bar entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are not presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is Sandwiches, warm snacks, confectionary.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room)

  • There is / are 15 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 202.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 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 is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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 some chairs with armrests available.
  • Some 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 bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic Room)

  • There is / are 45 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 11.
  • 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 heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is not 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • Some 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 bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Phlebotomy)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Phlebotomy.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The door opening from the Phlebotomy waiting room is 78 cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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 within the ambulance waiting area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main outpatient entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • 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 203cm x 201cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste and clinical 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 for the toilet.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 84cm.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

Standard Toilet(s) (Main Waiting Area)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the main waiting area.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the outpatients entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the male toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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