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Ward D - Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)

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.

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.

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.

Getting To (The Ward D Visitor Entrance)

  • The Ward D Visitor Entrance is/are located on the ground floor of the main building.
  • Access to the Ward D Visitor Entrance 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 and continue ahead, ignoring the doors to the right into lift core 5. The Ward D visitor entrance is located ahead.
  • There is step free access to the Ward D Visitor Entrance.
  • The Ward D Visitor Entrance is approximately 40m from the Stepney way Entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Stepney Way Entrance (nearest) or Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road 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.
  • Comments View
    • Ward D - Clinical Decision Unit is for patients who have been treated in Emergency Care (A&E) and who are being monitored before being discharged or admitted to a ward.
    • Patients enter the ward via Emergency Care (A&E).
    • For visitors arriving 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)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the North Tower, off Stepney Way. The accessible door is to the left of the revolving door.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to both sides of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible door is opened by reception after contact using the intercom.
    • There is a push button to exit, 120cm high.
    • The handrails to the ramp are on the road side of the path, to the right approaching from the left of the entrance or to the left when approaching from the right.
    • The automatic revolving door has a push button to the right which is intended to slow it to a speed suitable for wheelchair users or others with mobility difficulties.
    • The push button is within 90cm-105cm of the floor.
    • This entrance is open 06:00 - 22:00 but there are security staff based at the reception here overnight for emergency access to the main building.

Outside Access (Ward D Visitor Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor, just past the entrance to lift core 5.
  • 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).
  • 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 (Staff Base)

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Ward D Visitor Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The hearing loop system was installed under the desk but the microphone was not in place.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • This ward is open 24 hours.
  • Comments View
    • Visiting times are 13:00 to 19:30.
    • Please report to the staff base on arrival.

Ward

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
  • 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 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 around the bed(s)/between beds.
  • The bed(s) is/are adjustable.
  • The bed(s) has/have bedside storage.
  • 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 adjustable.
  • A flashing alarm is not available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.
  • Comments View
    • The ward has 2 side rooms and 12 individual cubicles.
    • The cubicles have curtains around them.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located to the left after the staff base.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 10m from the Ward D Visitor Entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a male washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 220cm (6ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 105cm and 158cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • 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 towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • 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.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are two male shower rooms, although one has the sign just for an accessible toilet.
    • The shower screens needs to be folded back to make a transfer space next to the toilet in these rooms.
    • The transfer space is to the left in both rooms.
    • There is 1 female washroom.
    • This is a larger room, with the transfer space to the right of the toilet (photograph 4).

Accessible Toilet

  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Comments View
    • In addition to the washrooms with accessible toilets on the ward, there are accessible toilets for visitor use between the Stepney Way Entrance and the ward and also near the Main Entrance - Whitechapel Road.

Standard Toilet(s)

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