Overview

Much is right about the place considering it is for people with disability, however they do need to improve in certain areas. The communication is varied, good in places and poor in others. As with the staff, some are super and some needing more training on client care. The unit is negotiable but tight and cramped overall.

Transport & Parking

The centre is in an industrial area and the parking is limited. There are 3 accessible parking spaces with disabled signs above them, however its not always those with limited mobility that park there. Plus with the type of therapy centre it is, the 3 spaces are full at times. There is a useful drop off area. As someone that has to drive I couldn't rely on getting parked, which forces me to have someone take me there or get a taxi. Otherwise parking is difficult in the surrounding area. It is in an area off a side street just down from a main bus route, so if you can walk then it has easy access.

Access

There is a ramp up to the entrance door which opens automatically, and swings inwards. On the way out, the same door can be opened by pressing a large button, at wheelchair height, at a distance from the door, giving wheelchair users a safe space and time for the door to open fully. The centre is single storey so no lift needed. There is a reception area at the entrance. I wasn't aware of alternative formats, however I wasn't looking and they may be available. I saw all I needed. The centre feels a bit tight for moving round, negotiable for wheelchair users and others with walking aids or mobility issues, but pinch points where I found I had to stop and wait for others to move. The O2 therapy unit had a lift to allow wheelchair access and access for others that used walking aids or found stepping up and in too difficult. The staff were very helpful here.

Toilets

Two accessible toilets at the door, both had red lights above the door so you could see they were in use, useful if walking was difficult as you could see from a distance if they were free or not. Space inside was clear of obstacles, clean and tidy, with garb rails and space for a carer. No changing places toilet.

Staff

Sorry, this has to be a mixed review. Previously a centre for MS, they now have a broader base and with that come more challenges, with people coming with different experiences and traumas. I found some staff super; they were kind, helpful and considerate, who had care and compassion. Others needed more training in client care. One day it was welcoming, the next the person didn't acknowledge me. This was also the case over the phone, I found some so easy and other people more challenging. This should not be the case when dealing with people that could well be struggling for any number of reasons.