You are on Overview (Whipps Cross University Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Overview (Whipps Cross University Hospital)

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• About View
  • This is a hospital with multiple services available.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: wards, departments, a shop, restaurant and coffee shop.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • 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) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • 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.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • 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.

You are on Parking (Car Park 4). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Car Park 4)

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• Car Park View
  • 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.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • 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).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Getting To (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre from within the Hospital Main Building). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre from within the Hospital Main Building)

• The Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is/are located on the northern side of the main building, in the Red Zone.
• Access to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is via the main entrance.
• From the main entrance, follow the main corridor towards Junction 5 (Red Zone). Between junctions 5 and 6, turn left into the corridor signposted as 'A&E X-ray' and 'Acute Assessment Unit AAU'. There is an easy slope down on the first part of this corridor. Go ahead, passing the entrance to A&E X-ray and the Emergency Medical Centre on the right. Continue ahead, passing the Forest Assessment Unit, then the AAU and Ambulatory Care. There is signage to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre from this point. Turn right before the next set of double doors then left just before the entrance to A&E Resuscitation. Continue ahead, following the long corridor round to the right then right again. At the end of the corridor is the entrance to the Children's A&E waiting area. Turn left to enter the main Emergency and Urgent Care Centre reception and waiting area.
• There is ramped/sloped access to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre.
• The Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is approximately 350m from the main entrance.
• Wayfinding 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.
• There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

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• Comments View
  • This is a very long route and only advised for patients who are already within the main hospital building, or already parked in car parks 1 or 2.
  • This route is not available at night when the main entrance is closed.

You are on Opening Times (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (A&E)). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (A&E))

• This service is open 24 hours.

You are on Outside Access (Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • 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.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • 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).
• Step Details View
  • 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).

You are on Level Change (A&E Internal Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (A&E Internal Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located just beyond entrance.
• 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.
• The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are bright.

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

Reception (Registration)

• The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre 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 medium.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

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• Comments View
  • There are 4 identical desks.
  • Each desk has a fixed seat without armrests to the right hand side.
  • Patients are called to these counters by automated voice announcement and by visual displays above each counter showing a number.

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

Reception (Streamer)

• The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre 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 medium.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

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• Comments View
  • All new patients must first report to this desk to be directed to the most suitable treatment service.

You are on Reception (Minor Injuries). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Minor Injuries)

• The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter does not have 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.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Entrance Foyer and Registration). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Entrance Foyer and Registration)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Emergency and Urgent Care 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 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.
• Announcements are in person and visual.
• 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 not available.
• Vending machines are 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 medium.

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• Comments View
  • There is a small room off this main area which is signed as 'Children's Waiting' but at the time of our visit (June 2017) there was no seating in the room.
  • From this reception and waiting area, patients are directed to other services, including:
  • Children's A&E
  • Minor Injuries
  • Major Treatment
  • A&E X-ray
  • Acute Assessment Unit and Ambulatory Care
  • Primary Care assessment.

You are on Getting Around (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre)

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• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the building.
• Circulation View
  • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
  • Seating is not provided in corridors.
  • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Signage and Wayfinding View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • All of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre is within the Red Zone shown on the hospital site map.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Primary Care Consulting Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Primary Care Consulting Room)

• There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 6.
• 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 light.
• The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
• 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 and loop.
• 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.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Plaster Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Plaster Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 1.
• 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 double width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 124cm (4ft 1in).
• 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 and loop.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Resus Relatives Waiting Room). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Resus Relatives Waiting Room)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a television.
• Vending machines are not available.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is Braille, pictorial, written text and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located through the doors at the rear of the reception waiting area then on your right.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared 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 heavy.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 186cm x 270cm (6ft 1in x 8ft 10in).
  • 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • 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 sensor.
  • 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, 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).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 110cm.
  • 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 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 poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance)

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• 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 your right through the doors at the rear of the reception waiting area.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre 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.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the Nappy Change room off the children's waiting area off the foyer waiting room.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
• Comments View
  • There is also a separate children's low level toilet.
  • This is off the children's waiting area, which opens off the reception waiting room.

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

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.