Features
- Free on-site parking with 12 blue badge bays close to the main entrance. No time restriction for vehicles parking with a valid blue badge (otherwise 3 hours maximum stay parking)
- There is level access from the accessible car parking spaces to a level access entrance
- Automatic entrance/exit doors
- Split level reception counter
- Reception staff can provide pen and paper on request to aid communication if required. There is no hearing loop at the present time
- There are turnstiles or a staff-operated security gate to access the centre from the reception area
- There is wheelchair access throughout the building
- Assistance dogs accommodated in the office if required
- There is clear signage throughout the building and staff are happy to assist with navigation if required
- Accessible toilets (ground floor near vending machines, and first floor near the pool balcony. The ground floor toilet is RADAR key locked, and a key is available from reception for those who do not have their own)
- Accessible changing rooms (including toilet, adjustable bed, ceiling track hoist, accessible shower and shower chair) are located in the pool change area and the dry change area on the ground floor
- Pool hoist access is available using a sling or the pool-dipper pool chair (maximum user weight 135kgs [22st]) In order to comply with health and safety requirements, we can have two people in the pool at any given time who use the hoist to access and/or exit the water. This is because we have to be able to fully evacuate the pool in a set amount of time in an emergency in order to keep everyone safe.
- Leisure attendants are happy to assist wheelchair users who require the pool hoist, but individuals need to provide their own slings for entry into the pool if they need sling hoisting rather than using the pool-dipper pool chair.
NOTE: During times that we know are busy with high demand for the pool hoist, this can be pre-booked to guarantee access to the pool at your chosen time. There may be times when the hoist is unavailable on the main pool due to being utilised for water walking classes in the small pool, and these will be stated on our timetables. Pool hoist access for water walking classes can be confirmed with reception if required. - There is lift access to the first floor, and several wheelchairs at a time can be safely accommodated on the first floor through provision of evacuation chairs and a refuge point
- Some gym equipment is tightly spaced but staff are happy to move equipment where possible, to facilitate safe transfer if required
- Double doors facilitate access to the sports hall for individuals using a sports or wider powered or manual wheelchair
- Essential carers accompanying an individual to enable them to access our services are not charged for entry, as long as they are supporting the individual throughout rather than following their own exercise programme. A carer who wishes to participate in their own exercise programme or in a class alongside the person they support is very welcome, but normal charges will apply
- The Your Card Extra scheme offers discounts for individuals with disabilities and for unpaid carers, older adults and those on restricted income
For more in depth discussion around access requirements, please contact our Inclusion Lead Catherine Szymanskyj on 01706 926276 or email inclusion@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk