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 (Outpatient Therapies)
- Outpatient Therapies is/are located on the second floor of the main building.
- Access to Outpatient Therapies is via the Renal and Urology Entrance.
- From the Renal and Urology Entrance go ahead though the double doors to lift core 1. Take the lift to the second floor. From the lift, go through the double doors to the right. The entrance to Outpatient Therapies is immediately on the left, opposite the entrance to the main Outpatient waiting area.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Outpatient Therapies.
- Outpatient Therapies is approximately 15m from the lift core 1.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Renal and Urology 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.
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Comments
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- Outpatient Therapies can also be reached from the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road or the Stepney Way Entrances.
- From the main corridor, take lift core 8 to the second floor.
- Go through the large Outpatients waiting area, heading for the double doors on the far side.
- Outpatient Therapies is located ahead on the opposite side of the corridor.
Outside Access (Renal and Urology Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located to the centre front of the building from East Mount Street, off Whitechapel Road.
- 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 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.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm.
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Comments
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- This entrance is open from 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.
Lift (Lift Core 1 - Renal and Urology)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located straight ahead from the Renal and Urology entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Renal and Urology 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,1,2,5,9.
- 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 poor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 140cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
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Comments
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- There are 2 public lifts and and 2 staff-only lifts in this lift lobby.
Opening Times (Outpatient Therapies)
- Access is by appointment only.
Outside Access (Outpatient Therapies Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on the second floor of the main building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- Level access is via lift.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Outpatient Therapies 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
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- Although there is a sign for a hearing loop on the high section of the counter, staff were unable to locate the equipment.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the Outpatient Therapies 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 vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- 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 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 space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- There are further waiting areas outside some of the treatment rooms and the gyms.
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.
- Some pictorial signage is available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)
- There is / are 10 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.
- 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.
- 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 hook and 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.
- All 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 adjustable.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Splint Room)
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- 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.
- 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 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 (Gyms)
- There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Neurophysiotherapy - Gym 4.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is wood.
- 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 powered overhead.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and 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 some 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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- The gyms are used by both inpatients and outpatients.
- There are ceiling track hoists in gyms 3 and 4.
- A mobile hoist is also available.
Communal Therapy Rooms
- The communal therapy room and communal hand therapy room are 39m from the clinic entrance, to the right and rear of the department.
- The Occupational Therapists will work with those patients who have injuries, illness or disabilities and help them live as independently as possible by achieving, maintaining and improving their quality of life.
- Rehabilitation could mean re-learning skills or adapting tasks dependant on individual needs or abilities.
- Planning for discharge could be making recommendations for equipment or adaptations to the patient's home.
- Advice and information would be available on managing the injury, illness or disability.
Standard Changing Room
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the far end of the corridor from the Outpatient Therapies entrance, near to the gyms.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Outpatient Therapies entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Gym 3.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the reception desk.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
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Comments
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- There are separate male and female changing rooms.
- There are lockers within the changing rooms.
Accessible Shower
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located inside the male and female changing rooms.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head and handrails.
- The height of the seat is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- Other facilities available include; drop down rails on either side of the shower.
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
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Comments
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- At the time of our visit (May 2017) the shower in the female changing room was out of service.
Toilet with Adaptations (Independent Use)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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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 off the waiting area, opposite the reception desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Outpatient Therapies 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 182cm x 285cm (5ft 12in x 9ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 103cm (3ft 5in).
- 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).
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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 102cm (3ft 4in).
- 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 medium.
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Comments
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- This toilet is also used for all male patients in the waiting area.
- There are several similar accessible toilets off the corridors near to the treatment rooms and the gyms.
- There are toilets with both left and right hand layouts.
Toilet with Adaptations (Assisted Use)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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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 off the waiting area, opposite the reception desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Outpatient Therapies 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.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 260cm x 270cm (8ft 6in x 8ft 10in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 not 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 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 100cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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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.
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Comments
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- This toilet is also for the use of all female patients in the waiting area.
- There are additional toilets with a similar layout off the corridors near to the gyms.
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 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Outpatient Therapies 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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Comments
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- There are additional standard unisex toilets located within the clinic areas and near to the gyms.
Telephone Numbers
- There is an alternative telephone number for the Outpatient Therapies Department which is 020 3594 1083.