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 Gamma Knife Suite)
- The Gamma Knife Suite is/are located on the basement floor of the Kenton and Lucas Wing.
- Access to the Gamma Knife Suite 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. You will turn left as you reach the square and follow the path, with the Square to your right. The path narrows slightly as you pass the East Wing and widens back out as you approach the Kenton and Lucas Wing to your left. Continue onwards, passing the Kenton and Lucas Building, and approach the Catering Block ahead. Pass the Catering Block and enter the Kenton And Lucas Entrance C ahead along a pathway. As you enter, turn left to the lift and head down to the basement level. As you exit the lift turn right and go through the set of double doors. The Gamma Knife Suite is located on the right at the end of the corridor.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Gamma Knife Suite.
- The Gamma Knife Suite is approximately 30m from the Kenton and Lucas Entrance C lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Kenton and Lucas Entrance C 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 (Kenton and Lucas Entrance C)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located next to the Catering Block, towards the rear of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The bollard(s) does/do not have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
Other Floors (Kenton And Lucas Entrance C)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B,G,1,2.
- 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 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift (Kenton and Lucas Entrance C Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter from Kenton and Lucas Entrance C.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Kenton and Lucas Entrance C.
- 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.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do not 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 low.
- The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 178cm x 320cm (5ft 10in x 10ft 6in).
- 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 have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Opening Times (Gamma Knife Suite)
- Access is by appointment only.
Entrance (Gamma Knife Suite Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the basement level, to the right as you exit the lift.
- 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 but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
- The main 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 110cm.
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Comments
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- If the door is locked please press the intercom for help as the department is often locked.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Gamma Knife Suite 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 not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
- The counter is not staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- 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 not a television.
- 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Patient Waiting And Rest Area
- The Patient Waiting and Rest Area is located in the corridor just beyond reception and is for patients waiting for treatment.
- It consists of 3 cubicles with adjustable beds and storage cupboards.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Gamma Knife Treatment Suite)
- 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) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 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 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 adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- No 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.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located in the reception area of the Gamma Knife Suite.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Gamma Knife Suite Entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 235cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 9in).
- The accessible toilet does not 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 65cm (2ft 2in).
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
- 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 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 90cm.
- 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
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Comments
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- The accessible toilet is for the use of all patients.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Rehabilitation Unit link (new tab) - click here.
- Minor Injuries link (new tab) - click here.
- Cashiers And Fares link (new tab) - click here.
- Kenton And Lucas Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
- King George V Wing Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.