You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • 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.
• By Bus View
  • 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.
• By Train View
  • 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.
• By Underground View
  • 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.
• Useful Links View
  • 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).
• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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.

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• Useful Links View
  • DaD Team Contact Details Poster (All Sites) 2017 link (new tab) - click here.
  • Partnership In Enhanced Care Leaflet link (new tab) - click here.
  • Forget Me Not – Information for Carers link (new tab) - click here.
  • Forget Me Not Card link (new tab) - click here.
• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Building). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Building)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located 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.
• Drop-off Point View
  • 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.
• Paying View
  • 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.
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Emergency Department entrance.
• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

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• On Street Standard Parking View
  • Standard on street parking is available.
• Public Car Park View
  • There is not a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Getting To (The Discharge Lounge). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (The Discharge Lounge)

• The Discharge Lounge is/are located on the ground floor of the main building.
• Access to the Discharge Lounge is via the Stepney Way Drop Off Point Entrance or Stepney Way Entrance.
• From the Stepney Way Drop Off Point Entrance, follow the ramp up to the left. At the top of the ramp, the Discharge Lounge is to the right across the foyer.
• There is ramped/sloped access to the Discharge Lounge.
• The Discharge Lounge is approximately 15m from the Stepney Way Drop Off Point Entrance.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

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• Comments View
  • From the Stepney Way Entrance, go through the doorway to the right of the entrance foyer.
  • Continue ahead past the Air Ambulance Kiosk.
  • The Discharge Lounge is located on the left.
  • From the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road follow the main corridor to the right of the Pharmacy all the way to the rear of the building and the Stepney Way Entrance foyer.
  • Go through the doorway on the left then follow the directions as for the Stepney Way Entrance.
  • The Discharge Lounge is only for inpatients who are awaiting transport home or to another hospital.
  • Transport for outpatients is dealt with by the Patient Transport Desk, off the Imaging waiting area on the first floor.
  • Please see the guide to Imaging and Patient Transport for more details.

You are on Outside Access (Stepney Way Drop Off Point - Patient Transport Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Stepney Way Drop Off Point - Patient Transport Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located next to the drop off point on Stepney Way.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
  • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow 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 double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left beyond the entrance doors.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are bright.
• Comments View
  • The wheelchair docking station is to the right after the entrance, on the main floor level.
  • A £1 coin is required to release a wheelchair from the docking station.
  • This entrance is open 06:00 - 22:00.
  • For emergency access to the main building outside of these times, please go to the Stepney Way Entrance, where the reception is staffed by Security overnight.

You are on Outside Access (Stepney Way Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Stepney Way Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the North Tower, off Stepney Way. The accessible door is to the left of the revolving door.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is 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 door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 128cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • The accessible door is opened by reception after contact using the intercom.
  • There is a push button to exit, 120cm high.
  • The handrails to the ramp are on the road side of the path, to the right approaching from the left of the entrance or to the left when approaching from the right.
  • The automatic revolving door has a push button to the right which is intended to slow it to a speed suitable for wheelchair users or others with mobility difficulties.
  • The push button is within 90cm-105cm of the floor.
  • This entrance is open 06:00 - 22:00 but there are security staff based at the reception here overnight for emergency access to the main building.

You are on Opening Times (Discharge Lounge Services). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Discharge Lounge Services)

• Monday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Thursday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Friday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Outside Access (Discharge Lounge). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Discharge Lounge)

• This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the main building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
• The door(s) is / are light.
• The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

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• Comments View
  • The Discharge Lounge is also used for the hospital Church of England service on Sunday afternoons.
  • Please contact the Chaplaincy service for details.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Discharge Lounge 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 bright.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

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• Comments View
  • Although there is a sign for a hearing loop, staff were unable to locate the equipment.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• The lighting levels are bright.

You are on Waiting Room / Area. Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area

• The vending machine controls are not within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
• Announcements are in person.
• 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 available.
• A water dispenser is available.
• There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located at the far right of the Discharge Lounge.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Discharge Lounge entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 210cm (5ft 7in 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 100cm (3ft 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 fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are 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).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• Comments View
  • The accessible toilet is for the use of all patients.
  • There are standard toilets and baby changing facilities in the corridor linking the Stepney Way Entrance and the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• The Royal London Hospital link (new tab) - click here.