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 (Clinics 4 and 5)
- Clinics 4 and 5 is/are located on the first floor of the South Tower.
- Access to Clinics 4 and 5 is via the Luckes entrance.
- Enter the South Tower and then walk directly ahead for a distance of 5m, then go through a set of double doors on your right. Then use lift core 6 to reach the first floor. On exiting the lift, turn to the right and the entrance is located directly in front of you.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Clinics 4 and 5.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Clinics 4 and 5 and the department/service.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Outside Access (Luckes Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located from Stepney Way into the South Tower. This is on the opposite side of the road from the Stepney Way entrances into the main building.
- 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 133cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to both sides of 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 lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.
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Comments
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- The handrails are on the road side of the ramp, to the right when approaching from the left, or the left when approaching from the right.
- There is a zebra crossing to the east of the entrance on Stepney Way.
- There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving at the zebra crossing.
- The zebra crossing is about 40m from the Luckes Entrance and about 75m from the Stepney Way Entrance.
- Approaching from the west, there is a raised road surface crossing point near the Stepney Way and Cavell entrances. There is a level surface or dropped kerb with tactile paving at this crossing point.
- In other areas there is a roadway and separate cycle path without dropped kerbs to cross between the north and south sections of the hospital building.
Lift (Lift Core 6 - Luckes Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right after the Luckes Entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Luckes 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 G,1,2.
- 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 low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 110cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 199cm 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.
- 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.
Outside Access (Clinic Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located 4m to your right when you exit lift core 6.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The main door(s) open both ways.
- The doors are double width.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in) wide.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- This venue does not play background music.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The desk/counter is staffed.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- 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 vinyl/laminate.
- All chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- There is a television.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Posturography)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Posturography.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
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Comments
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- There is a fixed hearing loop in the room.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 1 - Clinic 5)
- There are 15 consultation/treatment rooms available.
- The room surveyed was 1.
- The consultation / treatment room is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
- The main doors open away from you (push).
- The doors are double width.
- The doors are light.
- The door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in) wide.
- The type of flooring is vinyl.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair is adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Reception (Clinic 4 Audiology)
- The desk is 13m (14yd 8in) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to reception from the entrance.
- The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The desk is generally staffed.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- There is a bell to attract attention.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
Consultation / Treatment Room (VNG)
- There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms available.
- The room surveyed was 1.
- The consultation / treatment room is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
- The main doors open away from you (push).
- The doors are single width.
- The doors are light.
- The door opening is 92cm (3ft) wide.
- The type of flooring is vinyl.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair is not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Audiology 2)
- There are 4 consultation/treatment rooms available.
- The room surveyed was 2.
- The consultation / treatment room is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
- The main doors open away from you (push).
- The doors are single width.
- The doors are heavy.
- The door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in) wide.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist is available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair is adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 3 - Clinic 4)
- There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 3.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- A hoist is available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There is a fixed hearing loop available in the room.
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 on the left as you enter the clinic.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the clinic entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens 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 194cm x 210cm (6ft 4in x 6ft 11in).
- 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 101cm (3ft 4in).
- 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 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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- 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 contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Clinic 5)
- 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 at the rear of Clinic 5.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the clinic 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 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 174cm x 200cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 7in).
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in 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 49cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 101cm (3ft 4in).
- 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 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 contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilets are not available.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in a baby change room off the waiting area.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.