Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- The hospital is located in Whitechapel, east London. The main building is off the A11 Whitechapel Road.
- There are a small number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders only outside the Emergency Department. These are reached using Cavell Street then Raven Row, off Whitechapel Road. There are also a small number of Blue Badge bays outside the Royal London Dental School, reached using Turner Street off Whitechapel Road. There is provision for dropping off but no parking at the rear entrance in Stepney Way. Whitechapel Road is a no-stopping zone. There is very limited pay and display parking in some of the surrounding streets at the rear of the hospital.
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By Bus
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- TFL buses 25, 205, 254 and night buses N205 and N253 travel along Whitechapel Road in both directions. Westbound (towards central London) the nearest bus stop is Whitechapel Station Royal London Hospital Stop A. Eastbound (heading out of central London) the nearest stop is Whitechapel Station Royal London Hospital Stop B. All London bus services have an automatic powered ramp at the central door and designated space for a wheelchair user. An Oyster card, contactless bank card, prepaid travel card or travel pass is required to travel on London buses.
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By Train
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- The nearest station is Whitechapel Station, served by London Overground services. Due to Crossrail Construction works the station entrance has been temporarily relocated from Whitechapel Road to Court Street. Directions back to Whitechapel Road are clearly signposted. There is no step-free access to the Overground line at this station. There are 50+ steps from platforms to the street. The nearest station with step-free access from train to street is the Docklands Light Railway service at Shadwell. This is about 10 minutes walk south of the hospital.
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By Underground
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- Whitechapel Station is also served by the Hammersmith & City and the District Underground Lines. Access is via the same temporary entrance on Court Street. There is no step-free access to the Underground lines at this station. There are 30+ steps from the platforms to the street.
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Useful Links
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- The TFL journey planner helps to plan a journey using public transport, cycling and walking. Filters can be used to select options such as completely step-free 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).
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Comments
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- When the new Crossrail construction work is complete in December 2018 there will be step-free interchange between all services at Whitechapel Station and step-free access to the street from the redeveloped entrance on Whitechapel Road.
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 second Floor Central Tower, Main Building, near lift core 5.
- 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 can be found in entrance foyers or by contacting the reception desks at the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance and Stepney Way entrances.
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request and different languages 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.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact staff at the reception desks at the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance and Stepney Way entrances.
- There are usually wheelchairs available at the entrances to the hospital. A £1 coin is required to release the wheelchair from the docking station.
- Useful Links View
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Comments
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- Other sources of help and support include:
- The Bereavement Office
- The Chaplaincy Office
- The Sanctuary
- A Muslim Prayer Room
- A Jewish Community Room
- The Cashiers' and Fares Office
- All these services are located near the PALS Office.
- Please see the guide to Patient Support Services for details.
Hospital Parking (Main Building)
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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 outside the Emergency Department, reached from Cavell Street and Raven Row.
- 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 block paving.
- There is a/are clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 600cm.
- 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 at the rear of the building, off Stepney Way.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are not clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located throughout the 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 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Emergency Department entrance.
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Comments
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- Waiting or drop off/ pick up is not permitted in the car park.
- Waiting is limited to 10 minutes at the drop-off point in Stepney Way.
Public Parking
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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 not a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
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Comments
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- There is limited on-street pay and display parking in Turner Street, at the rear of the hospital.
- In most of the surrounding streets parking is not permitted or is for resident permit holders only.
Getting To (Children's Imaging - X-ray)
- Children's Imaging - X-ray is/are located on the first floor of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre.
- Access to Children's Imaging - X-ray is via the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
- From the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance, head towards lift core 9, which is through the double doors at the rear of the foyer waiting area. Take the lift to the first floor. Children's Imaging (X-ray) is through the double doors to the right as you exit the lift.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Children's Imaging - X-ray.
- Children's Imaging - X-ray is approximately 3m from the lift core 9.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance 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.
Outside Access (Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the centre front of the building as you approach from East Mount Street, off Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free 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 an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
- There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 117cm.
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Comments
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- There is a push button 110cm high to exit from this door.
- There is a small manual revolving door to the left of this door.
- The foyer of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre can also be entered by double, heavy manual doors 180cm wide from the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance foyer (photograph 4).
- The are similar doors connecting with the foyer of the Urology and Renal Unit.
Waiting Room / Area (Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is tiles.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is not 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.
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Comments
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- This is a general waiting area, immediately after the entrance, before lift core 9.
- It is not linked to any of the wards or clinics which each have their own receptions and waiting area.
- The reception counter in this foyer is no longer in use.
- Please visit the main reception counter in the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance foyer for assistance.
Lift (Lift Core 9 - Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
- The lift is a stair lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1,6,7,8.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- 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.
- Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level in the lift lobby.
- 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 medium.
- The clear door width is 110cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 197cm x 140cm.
- 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.
- There are no controls within the lift.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
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Comments
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- There are 2 lifts in this lift lobby.
- There are touch screens to select the floor required.
- The screen indicates which of the lifts to take.
- The control panel has an additional button for wheelchair users.
- This is intended to trigger the audible announcer in the lift lobby, but this was not working at the time of our visit (April 2017).
- There are tactile and Braille markings on this button.
Opening Times (Children's Imaging - X-ray)
- Monday 08:45 - 16:45.
- Tuesday 08:45 - 16:45.
- Wednesday 08:45 - 16:45.
- Thursday 08:45 - 16:45.
- Friday 08:45 - 16:45.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Entrance (Children's Imaging - X-ray)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, 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 a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- 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 170cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) 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 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 fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- 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 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are not available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is not available.
- There is 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 bright.
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Comments
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- The department serves drop-in patients as well as those with appointments.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is not available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Ultrasound)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 2.
- 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 single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- 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 a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by 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 no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (X-ray/ Fluoroscopy)
- There is / are 2 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 single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- 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 a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by 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 no chairs with armrests available.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- Photographs 1 and 2 show the X-ray room.
- Photograph 3 shows the fluoroscopy room next to it, which has an identical entrance.
Standard Changing Room
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located off the waiting area.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the imaging rooms.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a toilet.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
- The washroom surveyed is located opposite the fluoroscopy room.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 35m from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
- This is a shared washroom.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 303cm (6ft 7in x 9ft 11in).
- The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 105cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not 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 79cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is lever. It is 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 100cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a rail with a padded back rest.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 130cm.
- 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 95cm.
- 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 no seat for the shower.
- 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located immediately to the left as you enter from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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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 inwards and outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 205cm x 235cm (6ft 9in x 7ft 9in).
- 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
- 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 female sanitary and general domestic waste 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.
- 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can 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 bright.
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 off the waiting area.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Children's Imaging (X-ray) entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the standard shared toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
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Comments
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- One of the changing cubicles can be used for baby feeding if required.