Accessibility

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Atikokan General Hospital will provide the following assistive devices to clients who may need them while accessing our services. If requested by the client, an employee will assist them in the operation and manoeuvring of the equipment.

Wheelchairs are located at the main entrance, emergency entrance and extended care wing entrance. Since the wheelchair, much like glasses, is an extension of a person, it should be treated as such. Do not touch it, or attempt to push it, unless specifically given permission to do so. If a person in a wheelchair has to transfer to a chair or washroom, do not move the wheelchair out of their reach.

Walkers that are available for public use are clearly marked “Public Use” and stored with the physiotherapy equipment next to the basement conference room’s back door. There are two walkers, both with wheels. This makes walking a smoother process; however, it does require that the user be stable enough to not let it get away from them. If you are unsure about the client’s ability to use a walker with wheels, recommend the use of a wheelchair instead. The knob to adjust height on the walker is located below the handles on either side. The seat rest cannot be adjusted. When adjusting the height, the handgrip of the walker should be level with the client’s wrists. There are two walkers, one with a high seat and one with a low seat. Make sure to use the walker that is most suitable for the client’s height.

Canes are located at the acute nursing station, emergency department and rehabilitation department. The top of the cane should reach to the crease of the client’s wrist when they stand up straight. Their elbow should bend a bit when holding the cane. Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support, unless specified otherwise by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or physician. To adjust the cane, turn the knob near the base of the cane and increase or decrease the length. Make sure the knob is tight when finished.

Telephones for the hearing impaired are located at the extended care wing nursing station and a telephone amplifier is located at the acute nursing station. The Clarity P400 telephone in ECW amplifies incoming sounds up to 26dB, has a visual ring indicator, large easy to use buttons and is hearing aid compatible. The telephone HA-40 handset amplifier at the acute nursing station amplifies incoming sounds up to 40 decibels and has an adjustable tone control (600-2400Hz) for clients with moderate hearing loss.

Hearing devices are located at both the acute and ECW nursing desks. The Pocketalker Pro is designed to amplify sounds to a high volume level that could potentially cause hearing damage if used improperly. Make sure the volume is turned down before putting on the earphone or headphone before adjusting the volume to a comfortable level. Set the volume level at the minimum setting that you need to hear. If you experience feedback (a squealing or howling sound), reduce the volume setting and move the microphone away from the earphone or headphone.