Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- The hospital and the Henry VIII Entrance are located on West Smithfield. From the A1 as you head south towards Central London you will pass Barbican Tube Station and turn right into Long Lane and after a short distance you see Smithfields Market on your right. You will need to turn left into West Smithfield as you pass the market. The hospital will be on your left.
- There are 8 on-street Blue Badge parking bays available and a limited number of standard on-street parking bays directly outside the Henry VIII Entrance on West Smithfield. There is a City of London car park a short distance away with a limited number of parking bays.
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By Bus
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- Bus routes 46 Lancaster Gate and 56 Whipps Cross travel along West Smithfield and into Giltspur Street with several stops around the hospital perimeter. Other routes stop nearby along the A40. All London buses are accessible to wheelchair users via motorised boarding ramp and have a designated area for wheelchair users.
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By Train
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- The nearest national rail station is City Thameslink with direct trains to Brighton, Central London, London St Pancras International, Luton Airport, Gatwick Airport and Bedford. There are staff to assist with manual boarding ramps between the train and the platform at this station. There is level access between the platforms and the street. Bus services connect with this station and there is also a taxi rank.
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By Underground
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- The nearest underground station with step free access is Farringdon, which is on the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth lines. There is step-free access from platform to street at this station with ramps available on request to access the trains from the platform. The station is about a 10 minute walk from the hospital. The nearest underground stations with no step-free access is St Paul's on the District Line,or Barbican on the Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth lines.
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Useful Links
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- The TFL Journey Planner tool allows users to plot suitable transport options, including specifying requirements, such as step-free access, minimum changes or maximum walking times.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- TFL's Transport Accessibility website includes links to useful information such as maps and guides in different formats and up to date information on temporary lift and escalator closures.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The Thameslink Railway website will advise on timetabling, delays and cancellations.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The Transport For London Buses website will advise on timetabling, delays, cancellations and diversions.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
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 Kenton and Lucas Wing.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 3594 2040.
- 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.
- Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Volunteers can be found in the main reception area of the King George V Wing.
- Hospital staff and volunteers receive deaf awareness training.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on 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, tri wheel walkers, walking frames, walking sticks, mobile hoists, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact reception.
Hospital Parking (Hospital Parking And Patient Drop Off Point)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located at the rear of the hospital.
- 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.
- There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 500cm x 600cm (16ft 5in x 19ft 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located in the Blue Badge zone.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 5 hours (no return within 3 hours) only.
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Access to the Hospital
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the Patient Transport entrance.
Public Parking (West Smithfield)
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on West Smithfield.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 220cm x 500cm.
- There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 6 hours only.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Standard on street parking is available.
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Public Car Park
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- There is a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
- The public car park is located on West Smithfield.
- The name of the car park is West Smithfield Car Park.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
- Additional Public Parking Information View
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Comments
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- There are 8 Blue Badge parking bays available.
- Smithfield car park is available in West Smithfield operated by the City Of London.
- Please see the link above for details.
Getting To (The Bodley Scott Rooms)
- The Bodley Scott Rooms is/are located on the first floor of the East Wing.
- Access to the Bodley Scott Rooms is via the East Wing Entrance.
- Enter the hospital site via the Henry VIII Gate Entrance and follow the path towards the Square directly ahead, passing by the church and through an archway. As you reach the Square you will see the West Wing to your right, the King George V Wing ahead, and the East Wing to your left. As you walk across the Square the East Wing Entrance is located straight ahead. Enter via the East Wing Entrance and proceed through the double doors straight ahead into the lift lobby area. Turn right and continue through the open double doors and then turn left into another lift lobby area. Take the lift up to the first floor and proceed ahead through the double doors. Turn right through the single door and then continue straight ahead to the end the of the corridor and the entrance is located on the left.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Bodley Scott Rooms.
- The Bodley Scott Rooms is approximately 18m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift 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.
- There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
Outside Access (Henry VIII Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on West Smithfield.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 172cm.
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Comments
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- One side of the gate is usually kept locked. It had been briefly opened at the time of our survey for building vehicles to pass.
Outside Access (East Wing Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building facing the Square.
- 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.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located before the entrance, continuing through and beyond the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not 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 both sides going up the ramp.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
Other Floors (East Wing Entrance)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter the stairwell on the basement floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B,G,1,2,3.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift (Lift 25)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the corridor to the right as you enter.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the East Wing 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 B,G,1,2,3.
- 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 310cm (5ft 1in x 10ft 2in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not 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.
Entrance (Bodley Scott Rooms)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the East Wing.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm.
Reception (Housekeeper)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Bodley Scott Rooms entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The counter is staffed.
- 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 not provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is not available.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Room / Area (Hostel Rooms)
- There is / are 12 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Room 2.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- Step free access is by lift.
- There is a/are door(s) into the 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is not adjustable.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There are 12 rooms in total, 4 of which use the shared washroom.
- The rest of the rooms have en suites.
- All of the en suite rooms were occupied at the time of the survey.
Room / Area (Communal Area)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
- The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the corridor to the right.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 15m from the Bodley Scott Rooms entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
- This washroom is shared.
- There is pictorial and 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 235cm x 275cm (7ft 9in x 9ft).
- 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is also a push button alarm system in this washroom.
- 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 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 80cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
- 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 123cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 118cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 150cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- 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 94cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is medium.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located at the end of corridor on the left hand side.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Bodley Scott Rooms entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- King George V Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Kenton and Lucas Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- East Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.