Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
-
By Road
View
- 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.
-
By Bus
View
- 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.
-
By Train
View
- 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.
-
By Underground
View
- 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.
-
Useful Links
View
- 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)
-
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 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.
-
Drop-off Point
View
- 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.
-
Paying
View
- 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.
-
Access to the Hospital
View
- 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)
-
On Street Blue Badge Parking
View
- 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.
-
On Street Standard Parking
View
- Standard on street parking is available.
-
Public Car Park
View
- 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.
-
Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop-off point.
- Additional Public Parking Information View
-
Comments
View
- 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 (Cardiac Imaging)
- Cardiac Imaging is/are located on level 2 of the King George V Wing.
- Access to Cardiac Imaging is via the King Edward Street Entrance.
- Enter via the King Edward Street Entrance, turn right at reception and follow the main corridor to the lifts on the left. Take the lift to level 2, turn left as you exit and Cardiac Imaging is located straight ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Cardiac Imaging.
- Cardiac Imaging is approximately 20m from the lift.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
Outside Access (King Edward Street Entrance)
-
Entrance Details
View
- This information is for the entrance located on King Edward Street.
- 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.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 119cm (3ft 11in).
- Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (by revolving).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
-
Ramp/Slope Details
View
- The ramp/slope is located just beyond the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is 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.
-
Comments
View
- There is an alternative single-width door to the side of the main entrance (photograph 5).
- This door is automatic, with an opening width of 80cm.
Other Floors
-
Stairs
View
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B1,G,1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going 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 cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located just beyond the reception area of the King George V Wing.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the King Edward Street 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 B1,G,1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
- 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 140cm (5ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not 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.
Opening Times (Cardiac Imaging)
- Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Entrance (Cardiac Imaging)
-
Entrance Details
View
- This information is for the entrance located on level 2 of the King George V Wing.
- 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 at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
- There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is a door release button at a convenient height for wheelchair users to exit.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm.
Reception
-
Reception
View
- The reception point is located just beyond the Cardiac Imaging entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Cardiac Imaging entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are not windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the 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.
-
Reception Waiting Area
View
- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is tiles.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is 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.
Room / Area (Changing Cubicle)
- There is / are 4 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; 1.
- The room / area is approximately 8m from the Cardiac Imaging entrance.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the room / area.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist is not available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are bright.
-
Comments
View
- There is a pull across curtain for privacy instead of door.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Cardiac Imaging Machine)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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 adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not a chair.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Pretreatment Room)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
- 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 adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- 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 adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located just beyond the Cardiac Imaging entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Cardiac Imaging 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 inwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 240cm (7ft 10in x 7ft 10in).
- The accessible toilet does 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are 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 both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 100cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
-
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 fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
-
Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
Standard Toilet(s)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
-
Comments
View
- The nearest standard toilet is located in the lift area on level 2 of the King George V Wing.
Accessible Changing Room
- There is an/are accessible changing room(s) available.
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.