Access Guide
Overview (Whipps Cross University Hospital)
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About
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- This is a hospital with multiple services available.
- Facilities available in the venue include: wards, departments, a shop, restaurant and coffee shop.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest train station is Wood Street Train Station.
- The nearest underground station is Walthamstow Central.
- The nearest bus station is Walthamstow Central.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: There is a slight slope to access vending machines off the main corridor on the ground floor. There is also a slight slope to access the outpatients building via the link bridge.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- The lower ground floor, ground floor, first floor and second floor can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is no hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
- British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
- The hospital volunteers operate a buggy service to drive patients with mobility difficulties between the Hospital Main Building, Outpatients and other buildings on the hospital site.
The buggy can carry patients and their folded wheelchair or other mobility aids.
Staff at any department or reception can contact the volunteer service.
Porters can also be called to assist patients who are unable to transfer out of their own wheelchair or who require a hospital wheelchair. - There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: a pay phone and Wi-Fi.
Parking (Car Park 4)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on Back Road.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 154m from the Margaret Road entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep ramps or slopes.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for visitors only.
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is restricted to 5 hours. No return within 3 hours.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- Payment machines are located at the rear of the car park.
- There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Getting To (Accident and Emergency - Children's Department)
- Accident and Emergency - Children's Department is/are located in the accident and emergency department.
- Access to Accident and Emergency - Children's Department is via the Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance.
- On entering the Accident and Emergency department continue straight ahead and the department is located at the first junction.
- There is step free access to Accident and Emergency - Children's Department.
- Accident and Emergency - Children's Department is approximately 35m from the Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is provided.
- There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Outside Access (Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located off Back Road, facing Car Park 4.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the building, starting from both the road and also the footpath from the car park.
- 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.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
- The width of the ramp is 120cm.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).
Entrance (Department Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located in accident and emergency.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 150cm .
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 125cm (4ft 1in).
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 174cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead as you enter and to the right.
- The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the department 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 no 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
- 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.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is not available.
- There is 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.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Cubicle)
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 not 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.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom (Assessment Cubicle)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
- This washroom is shared.
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 181cm x 328cm (5ft 11in x 10ft 9in).
- The washroom does not 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) 125cm 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 79cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is sensor. It is not 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 89cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 69cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 the left.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm.
- There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is tactile, Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located past the waiting area and to the right.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the department entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 223cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- The tap type is sensor.
- There is not 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 general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- 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 not 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 a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right after the waiting area.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the department entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in a room adjacent to the standard toilets.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Whipps Cross University Hospital - Getting To and Getting Around the Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- Whipps Cross University Hospital - Parking link (new tab) - click here.
- Accident and Emergency Urgent Care Centre A&E link (new tab) - click here.
