You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

Collapse all Expand all

• 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
  • 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).
• 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.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Useful Links View
  • DaD Team Contact Details Poster (All Sites) 2017 link (new tab) - click here.
  • Partnership In Enhanced Care Leaflet link (new tab) - click here.
  • Forget Me Not – Information for Carers link (new tab) - click here.
  • Forget Me Not Card link (new tab) - click here.
• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Building). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Building)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Getting To (Wards 4E and 4F). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Wards 4E and 4F)

• Wards 4E and 4F is/are located on the fourth floor of the south tower.
• Access to Wards 4E and 4F 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 4th Floor. From the lift lobby, turn right into the shared waiting area. Go through the double doors and then turn left into the bridge link corridor. Continue on this corridor passing through double doors held open. Ward 4E is at the end of the corridor, on the right. For Ward 4F follow the corridor round to the left. Ward 4F will be ahead.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Wards 4E and 4F.
• Wards 4E and 4F is approximately 50m from the lift core 5.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Stepney Way Entrance 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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Outside Access (Stepney Way Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Stepney Way Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Lift (Lift Core 5 - Main Public Lift). Skip to the next section.

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 good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
• 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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • 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.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Fourth Floor Shared Visitor Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Fourth Floor Shared Visitor Waiting Area)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the lift core 5.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• All chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• 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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • This area is for visitors to wards 4E and 4F.
  • There is also a small private waiting/ meeting room, which is kept locked.
  • Please contact the ward managers for access.

You are on Outside Access (Wards 4E and 4F). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Wards 4E and 4F)

• This information is for the entrance located on the fourth floor of the south tower.
• 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).

You are on Reception (Ward F). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Ward F)

• The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Ward F 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 medium.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • There is a similar reception 15m from the Ward E entrance.

You are on Opening Times (Visiting Hours). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

• Monday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Tuesday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Wednesday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Thursday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Friday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

• There is level access in the ward.
• The ward is unisex.
• There is/are 8 bay(s) available.
• There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
• The area/room/bay surveyed was 4.
• 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 but one door is locked.
• The door(s) is/are light.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• 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 not an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
• There is an accessible toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
• The distance to the accessible toilet for visitors to use is 60m (65yd 1ft).
• 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 60m (65yd 1ft).
• There is a bathroom on the ward.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • Wards 4E and 4F together have 8 bays which have 4 beds.
  • Each bay shares the use of a bathroom which has an accessible toilet and shower.
  • The wards have 20 side rooms.
  • Each side room has its own bathroom with an accessible toilet and shower.
  • 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.

You are on Washroom (Assisted Bathroom). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Assisted Bathroom)

Collapse all Expand all

• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • The washroom surveyed is located after the Ward F reception.
  • The washroom surveyed is approximately 25m from the Ward F entrance.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This is a shared washroom.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
  • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 330cm x 500cm (10ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • 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 is a/are coat hook(s) 104cm 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 81cm.
  • 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 135cm.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 170cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
  • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Bath Details View
  • There is a bath.
  • The bath is height adjustable.
  • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
  • There is a shower over/for the bath.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • A bath hoist is 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • The second washroom is located after the Ward E reception.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Fourth Floor Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Fourth Floor Waiting Area)

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 towards the rear of the waiting area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift core 5.
  • 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 168cm x 260cm (5ft 6in x 8ft 6in).
  • 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 clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is 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.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Fourth Floor Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Fourth Floor Waiting Area)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 off the waiting area.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift core 5.
  • 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.

You are on Telephone Numbers. Skip to the next section.

Telephone Numbers

• There is an additional telephone number for Ward 4E which is 020 3594 2279.
• The telephone number for Ward 4F is 020 3594 2257.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• The Royal London Hospital link (new tab) - click here.