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Huntsman Building

Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main hospital entrance to the Northern General Hospital is located off Barnsley Road, with another entrance off Herries Road. If you are using a sat nav to find the hospital please use the postcode S5 7AT or postcode S5 7AU.
    • The Blue Badge parking areas and the standard parking are located off Barnsley Road and Herries Road.
  • By Bus View
    • There are two bus routes within the northern general hospital. Buses 32 and H1. Bus 32 stops located within the Northern General Hospital are Herries Road, Outpatients 2, Estates Department, Clock Tower and Brearley Wing. H1 bus stops at the Clock Tower.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0114 271 2400.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request and large print on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the wooded area of Barnsley Road Drive.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, walking frames, mobile hoists, hoist slings and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the side 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located outside the Huntsman Building main entrance.
  • 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.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.

Hospital Parking (Huntsman Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • 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 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 598cm.
    • 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 at the front of the Huntsman Building main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

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.

Other Floors (Huntsman Building)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, C, D, E, F, G.
    • 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 (Huntsman Building)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left of the Huntsman Building main corridor.
  • The lift is approximately 69m (75yd 1ft) from the Huntsman Building main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C, D, E, F, G.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Other Floors (Firth Wing)

  • Steps View
    • 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

  • Location and access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • 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.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 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).
  • 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 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).
  • 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 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)

  • 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 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.