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 (Ward 11C)
- Ward 11C is/are located on the eleventh floor of the main building.
- Access to Ward 11C is via the Stepney Way Entrance (nearest) or Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road.
- From the Stepney Way Entrance, go through the doorway to the right of the entrance foyer. Continue ahead past the Air Ambulance Kiosk towards the double doors on the far side. There are toilets, seats and a refreshment kiosk in this area. Go through the double doors and continue ahead ignoring lift core 4 to the left and the stairs to the right. Go through the next double doors then take the doors to the right into lift core 5. Take the lift to the eleventh Floor. From the lift lobby, turn right in the shared waiting area. Go through the double doors and turn right into the corridor. The entrance to Ward 11C is on the left, just before lift core 4.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 11C.
- Ward 11C is approximately 30m from the lift core 5.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Stepney Way 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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- 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.
Outside Access (Stepney Way Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- 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.
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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.
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Comments
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- 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.
Lift (Lift Core 5 - Main Public Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear left of the building from the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road, or to the right from both Stepney Way entrances.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road.
- 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,1,2,3,4,5,10,11,12,13,14.
- 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 109cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 209cm x 161cm.
- 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 other than the alarm call 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 4 lifts; A, B, C and D in this lift lobby.
- There are touch screens to select the floor required.
- The screen indicates which of the 4 lifts to take.
- The control panel on the right of the lift lobby as you enter has an additional button for wheelchair users.
- This triggers the audible announcer in the lift lobby.
- There are tactile and Braille markings on this button.
- For access to floors 6-7-8 for the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre, please see the guide to lift core 9.
- For access to Floor 9 Urology please see the guide to lift core 1.
Eleventh Floor Visitor Facilities
- As you exit lift core 5 on the eleventh floor there is a reception/waiting area.
- The reception desk is not usually staffed.
- There are fixed chairs with armrests and room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre.
- The waiting area has vending machines for drinks and snacks and for purchasing credit for the bedside entertainment system.
- This area has accessible and standard toilets and a baby changing/feeding room.
- There are also 2 bedrooms for relatives to stay in, which are equipped with a bed, wardrobe and a chair.
Outside Access (Ward 11C Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on the eleventh floor of the main building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- There is an intercom at this entrance.
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
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Comments
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- All wards are accessed by using the intercom system located at the entrance.
- The intercom is placed at a height of 118cm from the ground.
- Staff on one of the staff bases will release the doors to allow access.
Reception (Staff Bases A and B)
- The desk/counter is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Ward 11C 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 adjustable.
- 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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- There are 2 staff bases (A and B) within the ward and the details are similar for both.
Opening Times (Ward 11C Visiting Hours)
- Monday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Tuesday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Thursday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Friday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Saturday 13:00 - 20:00.
- Sunday 13:00 - 20:00.
Ward
- There is level access in the ward.
- The ward is unisex.
- There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 10 side room(s) available.
- The area/room/bay surveyed was 25.
- There is a/are door(s) to the area/room/bay.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a small extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed(s)/between beds.
- The bed(s) is/are adjustable.
- The bed(s) has/have bedside storage.
- Bedside services available include; televisions, telephones, radios and the internet.
- These services are chargeable.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is manual.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook and loop.
- There is an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
- There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
- There is a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
- The distance to the standard toilet for visitors to use is 20m (21yd 2ft).
- There is a bathroom on the ward.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
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Comments
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- The ward has 4 bays which have 4 beds.
- Each bay shares the use of a bathroom which has accessible shower and toilet.
- The ward has 10 side rooms.
- Each side room has its own ensuite bathroom with an accessible shower and toilet.
- The Patient Bedside Entertainment system allows patients to buy credit to surf the internet, watch television and to listen to the radio and audio books whilst in the hospital.
- The system must be used with headphones, which are available to purchase or patients may bring their own.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- 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 double width.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- 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 bright.
Accessible Bathroom (Assisted Shower Room)
- Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
- There is/are 2 accessible bathroom(s) in this ward.
- There is/are 1 accessible bathroom with a wheel in shower and 1 with a bath.
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Location and access
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- The bathroom is unisex.
- The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
- The accessible bathroom is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
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Features and dimensions
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- A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door weight is light.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 300cm x 220cm (9ft 10in x 7ft 3in).
- The bathroom has a non slip floor.
- The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the toilet seat.
- There is a functional emergency alarm available.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is not a coat hook.
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Position of fixtures
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- Wall mounted rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin height is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
- There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
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Wheel in shower details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There are handrails available.
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Colour contrast and lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- A standard chair was being used in the shower.
Accessible Bathroom (Assisted Bathroom)
- Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
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Location and access
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- The bathroom is unisex.
- The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
- The accessible bathroom is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
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Features and dimensions
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- A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door weight is light.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 350cm x 500cm (11ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
- The bathroom has a non slip floor.
- The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the toilet seat.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
- It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a coat hook.
- The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
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Position of fixtures
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- Wall mounted rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The towel dispenser is 140cm (4ft 7in) high.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin height is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
- There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
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Bath details
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- There is a bath.
- The height is adjustable.
- A hoist is available.
- The tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is a shower over the bath.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- There are not wall mounted handrails available.
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Colour contrast and lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- There is a separate basin with a handheld shower for hair washing.
Toilet with Adaptations
- 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 on the right as you enter the ward.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the ward 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 180cm x 300cm (5ft 11in x 9ft 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 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 female sanitary and 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- 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)
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
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Comments
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- The nearest standard toilets and baby change are located in the eleventh floor visitor waiting area as you leave lift core 5.