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Critical Care Centre

Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6NT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

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 at the rear of the entrance foyer.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01480 428 964.
  • 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 do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Volunteers can be found at the reception desk.
  • Hospital staff and volunteers receive deaf awareness training.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • 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 reception.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located in front of the main entrance to the main hospital building.
    • 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.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 340cm x 690cm (11ft 2in x 22ft 8in).
    • 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 to the left of the main entrance to the main hospital building.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is 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 clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Main Car Park - Car Park 2)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital buildings.
    • 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.
    • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 355cm x 477cm (11ft 8in x 15ft 8in).
    • There is not 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 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, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 1 hour only.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and at the front of the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 79m (86yd 1ft) from the main entrance.

Getting To (New Critical Care Centre)

  • The New Critical Care Centre is/are located on the ground floor of the main hospital building.
  • Access to the New Critical Care Centre is via the accessible entrance.
  • Enter via the accessible entrance and proceed past the main reception. Cross the foyer and proceed past Costa Coffee into the main corridor. Follow the corridor to the end. At the end of the corridor turn left. Continue along the corridor. Proceed past the Chapel. At the end of the corridor turn right. Follow the corridor. The New Critical Care Centre is on the right.
  • There is step free access to the New Critical Care Centre.
  • The New Critical Care Centre is approximately 96m from the accessible entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the accessible entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

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 step free 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 7 shows the wheelchairs which are available to borrow at this entrance.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 20:00.

Entrance (New Critical Care Centre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the main hospital building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • There is a door release button but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to exit.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • 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 89cm.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an critical care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 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.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 182cm (5ft 12in).
    • The hand sanitiser is in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • There is a door release button but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to exit.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is not available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main entrance foyer of the hospital.

Waiting Room / Area (Visitor's Waiting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the New Critical Care Centre 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not 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 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 (Meeting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the New Critical Care Centre 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are 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 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.

Washroom (Toilet and Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 313cm x 296cm (10ft 3in x 9ft 9in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 86cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 145cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The cistern is not close coupled and no padded back rest is provided.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 103cm.
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Visitor's Toilet - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right on entering the centre.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the New Critical Care Centre 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 lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 130cm x 175cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 9in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin 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.
    • 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 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 141cm (4ft 8in).
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

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