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Ward 8F - Postnatal Ward

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 8F Postnatal Ward)

  • Ward 8F Postnatal Ward is/are located on the eighth floor of the Children's Hospital and Women's Centre.
  • Access to Ward 8F Postnatal Ward 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, which is 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 (10m). Turn right along the corridor. After 20m, go through the double doors which are held open. Pass Ward 8D Neonatal Unit on the left, then continue ahead for a further 15m to the double doors (push) to enter lift core 4. Continue through lift core 4 (10m), leaving by the double doors (push) on the opposite side. Pass Ward 8C on the right and continue ahead along the bridge link for 20m, passing through the double doors which are held open. Ward 8F Postnatal Unit is at the end of the corridor, 10m on the left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 8F Postnatal Ward.
  • Ward 8F Postnatal Ward is approximately 95m 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.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Ward 8F Postnatal Unit Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the eighth floor of the Children's Hospital & Women's Centre.
  • 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • 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 entrance doors to allow access.

Reception (Ward)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Ward 8F Postnatal Unit 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 not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • All visitors must collect a security badge from this reception.
    • Prams and buggies must be left in this area.

Reception (Staff Bases A and B)

  • The desk/counter is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Ward 8F Postnatal Unit 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 not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 staff bases (A and B) within the ward and the details are the same for both.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Comments View
    • Visiting times are 10:00-22:00 (partners) and 14:00-18:00 (other visitors).
    • Only 2 visitors are permitted by a patient's bedside. Only children of the mother are allowed to visit the patient (2 at a time).

Ward

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is female.
  • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 11 side room(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was Beds 6-9.
  • 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 double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • 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 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 not a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
  • There is a bathroom on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • A flashing alarm is not available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.
  • Comments View
    • The ward has 5 bays which have 4 beds.
    • Each bay shares the use of a bathroom which has an accessible toilet and a wheel-in shower.
    • The ward has 11 side rooms.
    • Each side room has its own bathroom with an accessible toilet and wheel in shower.
    • The Patient Bedside Entertainment system is available on request.
    • It 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 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 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.
  • 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 (Shower)

  • 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.
  • Location and access View
    • The bathroom is female.
    • 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.
  • Features and dimensions View
    • 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 240cm x 245cm (7ft 10in x 8ft).
    • 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 a coat hook.
    • The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
  • Position of fixtures View
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in) 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 80cm (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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Wheel in shower details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • The shower seat is no seat.
    • There are handrails available.
  • Colour contrast and lighting View
    • 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.

Accessible Bathroom (Bath)

  • Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
  • Location and access View
    • The bathroom is female.
    • 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 18m (19yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
    • There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
  • Features and dimensions View
    • 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 650cm x 400cm (21ft 4in x 13ft 1in).
    • 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 a coat hook.
    • The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
  • Position of fixtures View
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin height is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Bath details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The height is adjustable.
    • A hoist is not 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.
  • Colour contrast and lighting View
    • 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.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • 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 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.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • 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 200cm x 245cm (6ft 7in x 8ft).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 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).
  • 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 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).
  • 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.

Standard Toilet(s)

Telephone Numbers

  • There is an alternative telephone number for Ward 8F which is 020 3594 2493.

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