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 (Eat Well at Barts Cafe)
- Eat Well at Barts Cafe is/are located in the Catering Block, to the right after you enter.
- Access to Eat Well at Barts Cafe is via the Henry VIII 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. Turn left as you reach the Square and follow the path, with the Square to your right as you continue along the path. The path narrows slightly as you pass the East Wing and widens back out as you approach the Kenton and Lucas Wing to the left. Continue onwards, passing the Kenton and Lucas Building and approach the Canteen Block ahead. As you enter the Catering Building Entrance the cafe will be on the right.
- There is step free access to Eat Well at Barts Cafe.
- Eat Well at Barts Cafe is approximately 100m from the Henry VIII Entrance.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- 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 (Catering Block Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, opposite the East Wing.
- 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.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the 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/slope bypasses bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located to the right as you face the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
Opening Times (Eat Well at Barts Cafe)
- Monday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Tuesday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Wednesday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Thursday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Friday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Saturday 07:30 - 15:30.
- Sunday 07:30 - 15:30.
Entrance (Eat Well at Barts Cafe Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located to the right as you enter the Catering Building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
- 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.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Eating and Drinking
- The following information is for the cafe.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 74cm.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Catering Block entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 230cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 not 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 not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste, clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
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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 Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Catering Block entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Catering Block Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- Jewish Community Room link (new tab) - click here.
- Male Prayer Room link (new tab) - click here.
- Female Prayer Room link (new tab) - click here.
- Eat Well Restaurant link (new tab) - click here.
- King George V Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.