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Ward 23 - Children's Heart Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Ward 23)

  • Ward 23 is/are located on Level 2.
  • Access to Ward 23 is via the main Cardiothoracic entrance.
  • After entering the Cardiothoracic entrance, continue past the reception and turn right. Continue along the corridor past the toilets and turn left, follow this corridor and turn right at the shop. Ward 23 is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access to Ward 23.
  • Ward 23 is approximately 400m from the main Cardiothoracic entrance.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

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.

Cardiothoracic Centre Entrance

  • This entrance is located on the right side of the front of the hospital building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • 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 steep gradient.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 141cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 126cm.
  • 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 are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 136cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 129cm.
  • This entrance brings you into level 2 of the Cardiothoracic Centre.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • This ward is open 24 hours.
  • Comments View
    • There is an open visiting policy on the ward for close family members.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Childrens Heart Unit ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 14 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).
    • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 75cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives room.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment 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) 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 not 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 not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is not a chair.
  • 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.

Room / Area (HDU)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; HDU.
  • The room / area is approximately 10m from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • 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 158cm (5ft 2in).
  • 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 a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Parents Sitting Room and Kitchen)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Parent's Sitting Room and Kitchen.
  • The room / area is approximately 70m from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • 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 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.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Playroom)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Playroom.
  • The room / area is approximately 15m from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • 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.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a cinema facility within the playroom.
    • There is a retractable large screen on the wall opposite the television, which covers the blackboard (shown in photograph 6).
    • There is a projector mounted opposite the retractable screen.
    • There are automated blinds at the windows and overhead glass ceiling.
    • The screen and blinds are lowered in order to show DVDs.

Washroom (Parent's Washroom and Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 65m from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared washroom.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 407cm (6ft 7in x 13ft 4in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 117cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
  • Bath Details View
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 63cm (2ft 1in).
  • Shower Details View
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Bath Details View
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • 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 next to the playroom.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 205cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • 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 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 132cm (4ft 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 93cm.
    • 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • 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)

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