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Ward 8C and Emergency Gynae Unit

The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BB

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • 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
  • 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.

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.

Hospital Parking (Main Building)

  • 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.

Public Parking

  • 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.

Getting To (Ward 8C and EGU)

  • Ward 8C and EGU is/are located on the eighth floor of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre.
  • Access to Ward 8C and EGU is via the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
  • From the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance, head towards lift core 9, through the double doors at the rear of the foyer waiting area. Take the lift to level 8. As you leave the lift, turn left through the double doors then turn left again. Ignore the double doors to the right and go ahead through the signposted set of double doors. Turn right along the corridor. Go through the double doors which are held open. Pass Ward 8D Neonatal Unit on the left, then continue ahead to the double doors (push) to enter lift core 4. Continue through lift core 4, leaving by the double doors (push) on the opposite side. Ward 8C and EGU is located immediately on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 8C and EGU.
  • Ward 8C and EGU is approximately 65m from the lift core 9.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the centre front of the building as you approach from East Mount Street, off Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 117cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a push button 110cm high to exit from this door.
    • There is a small manual revolving door to the left of this door.
    • The foyer of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre can also be entered by double, heavy manual doors 180cm wide from the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance foyer (photograph 4).
    • The are similar doors connecting with the foyer of the Urology and Renal Unit.

Waiting Room / Area (Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is tiles.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • This is a general waiting area, immediately after the entrance, before lift core 9.
    • It is not linked to any of the wards or clinics which each have their own receptions and waiting area.
    • The reception counter in this foyer is no longer in use.
    • Please visit the main reception counter in the Whitechapel Road - Main Entrance foyer for assistance.

Lift (Lift Core 9 - Children's Hospital and Women's Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre entrance.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1,6,7,8.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level in the lift lobby.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 110cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 197cm x 140cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • There are no controls within the lift.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 lifts in this lift lobby.
    • There are touch screens to select the floor required.
    • The screen indicates which of the lifts to take.
    • The control panel has an additional button for wheelchair users.
    • This is intended to trigger the audible announcer in the lift lobby, but this was not working at the time of our visit (April 2017).
    • There are tactile and Braille markings on this button.

Opening Times (Clinic Times)

  • Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 13:30.
  • Sunday Closed.

Opening Times (Ward Visiting Hours)

  • This ward is open 24 hours.
  • Comments View
    • Ward visiting hours are 13:00 - 20:00.
    • Visiting outside of these times should be discussed with the ward manager.
    • The ward operates a protected mealtimes system between 12:00 and 13:00 and a quiet rest time between 13:00 and 14:00.

Entrance (Ward 8C and Emergency Gynae Unit (EGU))

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the eighth floor of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
  • Comments View
    • The intercom is 118cm high.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left after the ward entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the ward entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are not windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • 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.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an gynae ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 114cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Comments View
    • The ward treatment area includes a recovery room with 4 adjustable recovery armchairs.

Consultation / Treatment Room

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 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) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook.
  • 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.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the ward corridor, just before the staff base.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the ward 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 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 210cm x 245cm (6ft 11in x 8ft).
    • 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.
    • 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 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of our visit (May 2017) this toilet was signed as a staff toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter the ward.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the ward 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.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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