Skip to main content

Emergency Department and Urgent Care Entrance

Rothwell Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 8UZ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Exit the A14 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the Town Centre.
      Carry on past the Crematorium on the left.
      At the roundabout either take the right exit for Car Parks A and B, or go straight ahead on Rothwell Road past the main hospital site.
      Before the bridge use Car Park D for Entrance 4 and the Treatment Centre. The post code to use for a Sat-Nav is NN16 8UZ.
    • There are several car parks across the Hospital site but the 3 main ones are Car Parks A and B which service the main building and the Outpatients Departments and Car Park D which services the Treatment Centre.
      Car parks A and D are open-air and Car Park B is 2-tiered with limited accessible parking.
  • By Bus View
    • There are several bus routes which stop outside the hospital, they are: the X1 Corby, which provides a regular service from the Town Centre (Stagecoach), the number 19 Rothwell and Desborough (Stagecoach), the number 10 West Hunsbury, Northampton, Moulton, Holcot, Old, Mawsley and Broughton (Stagecoach), the X10 Market Harborough/Northampton (Stagecoach) and the number 34 Wellingborough (Centrebus).
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Kettering, it is approximately 0.5 miles from the Hospital which is a short 10 minute walk.
      There are several Taxi Services which run from the train station.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the ground floor of the main hospital building in the corridor to the right of the main hospital reception.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01536 493 305.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found at the main entrance and throughout the main hospital building corridors.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the green areas around the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, mobile hoists and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.

Hospital Parking (Car Park A)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are 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 230cm x 472cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 6in).
    • 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 opposite the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance, and opposite the Rockingham Wing.
    • 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 entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park and close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 115m (125yd 2ft) from the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Wheelchairs are available at the top of the Ramps.
    • There are 6 parent and children bays within this car park.
    • The height of the payment machine controls are between 78cm to 112cm high and to access them there is an opening that is 99cm wide.

Hospital Parking (Car Park B)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at Entrance 1 off Rothwell Road, to the right of the hospital site.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 238cm x 572cm (7ft 10in x 18ft 9in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • 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 entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the middle of the ground deck of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Northfield House entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Pedestrian Access to the upper deck is by steps only.
    • The height of the payment machine controls are between 73cm to 132cm high.
    • The bollards in front of the payment machine are 130cm apart.

Opening Times (Emergency Department and Urgent Care Entrance)

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Outside Access (Emergency Department and Urgent Care Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left side 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.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 123cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is also an entrance to the Emergency Department located between the first and second door.
    • This door opens automatically and is 150cm wide (shown in photograph 6).

Outside Access (Lower Ground Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear 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.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 193cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the Lower Ground Floor entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 102cm.

Outside Access (Lower Ground Floor Corridor Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the Centenary Wing entrance.
    • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the ramp.

Reception (Urgent Care Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter via the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Emergency Department and Urgent Care 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 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 moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • All tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Getting Around (Emergency Department and Urgent Care Areas B and C)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are provided in some corridors.
    • Seating is provided in some corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Maps are provided at key intersections.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Amenities

  • Shops and Services View
    • The shops/services available include; a coffee shop.
  • ATM Machines View
    • There is an/are ATM machine(s) available.
    • The ATM Machine(s) is/are located in the corridor leading to Costa.
    • A low level ATM machine is not available.
  • Pay Phones and Charging Points View
    • A pay phone is available.
    • The pay phone(s) is/are located to the right as you enter via the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
    • The pay phone(s) is/are cash only payment.
    • A low level pay phone (controls between 75cm - 100cm from floor level) is not available.
    • Phone charging points are not available.
  • Public WiFi View
    • Free public WiFi is available.
  • TV Pre-Payment Machines View
    • There are no TV pre-pay machines for patients.

Other Floors (Pathology Corridor Lifts)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG,G,1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift (Pathology Corridor Lifts)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the corridor next to the Pathology Department.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 67m (73yd 10in) from the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG,G,1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
  • The clear door width is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 250cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 2in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Urgent Care Reception Area - No Transfer Space)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the right side of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 124cm x 224cm (4ft 1in x 7ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 99cm.
    • 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Urgent Care Reception Area)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the right side of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Emergency Department and Urgent Care entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Some toilet seats have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor Entrance)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located in front and to the right as you enter via the Lower Ground Floor entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the Lower Ground Floor entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The toilet seats have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Related Access Guides