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Acorn Children's Unit

Whipps Cross University Hospital, Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 1NR

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Whipps Cross University Hospital is located in Leytonstone in the East End of London. The main entrance to the hospital is on Whipps Cross Road (the A114) between the Whipps Cross roundabout and the Green Man roundabout. This is the best entrance for car parks 1 and 2. There is also an entrance off James Lane which is the best entrance for car parks 3 and 4.
    • The hospital has 4 main car parks: - Car Park 1 for Hospital Main Entrance, Main Building, Chest Clinic and MRI - Car Park 2 for Hospital Main Entrance, Main Building, Eye Treatment Centre and Plane Tree Centre - Car Park 3 for Maternity, Antenatal, and Outpatients - Car Park 4 for the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (A&E) department. There are Blue Badge bays in all car parks and additional ones near Outpatients. There are also short stay drop-off/ pick-up only points near to A&E, Maternity and the Byron unit.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses W12, W15, W19, 357 stop within the hospital grounds. There are stops near the Hospital Main Entrance and also near Outpatients/ Maternity. Buses 257, 56, and 230 also stop near the hospital grounds at the Whipps Cross roundabout (around 200m to the Hospital Main Entrance.).
  • By Train View
    • Wood Street or Walthamstow Central stations are the nearest rail stations. Wood Street and Walthamstow Central are on the Great Anglia Train line from Liverpool Street to Chingford. From Wood Street station, take the bus 230 from Stop: D towards Wood Green Station. From Walthamstow Central, take the bus W19 from Stop: B in the Bus Station towards Ilford.
  • Useful Links View

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 off the main corridor in the Red Zone, between junctions 4 and 5.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 8535 6438.
  • 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 at the Hospital Main Entrance Reception, at the Volunteer Hub in Junction 4 and the Outpatients Building.
  • 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.
  • 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 and walking frames.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact Hospital Main Building Reception.
  • The hospital volunteers operate a buggy service to drive patients with mobility difficulties between the Hospital Main Building, Outpatients and other buildings in 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.

Hospital Parking (Car Park 1 - Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the main entrance and on the opposite side of Hospital Road, next to the site boundary.
    • 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 tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 9 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 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • 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 in front of the main entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do 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.
    • Payment machines are located in the centre of the car park and off Hospital Road.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 5 of the Blue Badge bays are off the drive leading to the Hospital Main Entrance, not in the main parking area.
    • The other 4 Blue Badge Bays are in the parking area alongside Hospital Road, opposite the Chest Clinic.
    • Parking for Blue Badge holders is only free in designated bays.
    • Parking can be paid in coins or also by phone (020 3046 0010) or using the RingGo app, location 1165 for car parks 1 and 2.
    • From the main parking area there is a kerb followed by 5 deep, marked steps directly in front of the Hospital Main Entrance.
    • The steps have handrails on both sides.
    • These steps can be bypassed by leaving the car park via the vehicle entrance and using the driveway past the Blue Badge bays to the Hospital Main Entrance.
    • Patients can be dropped off or collected in front of the main entrance.
    • Drivers must remain with their vehicle at all times in this area.

Getting To (Acorn Children's Unit)

  • Acorn Children's Unit is/are located in Zone 12 of the lower ground floor hospital main corridor.
  • Access to Acorn Children's Unit is via the Hospital Main Entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the Hospital Main Entrance, proceed past reception and turn left into Zone 1. Follow the main hospital corridor to Zone 10 and take the lift to the lower ground floor. Acorn Children's Unit is located in Zone 12 to the right.
  • There is step free access to Acorn Children's Unit.
  • Acorn Children's Unit is approximately 300m from the Hospital Main Entrance.
  • 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.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Opening Times (Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Monday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Friday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 06:00 - 22:00.
  • Sunday 06:00 - 22:00.

Outside Access (Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located facing Car Park 1, off Hospital Road.
    • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • 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 155cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
  • Comments View
    • The main entrance is at Junction 1, in the Orange Zone.
    • When this entrance is closed, patients requiring urgent care should go directly to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre, which has a 24 hour entrance off Back Road.

Outside Access (Main Building - Margaret Road Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Margaret Road, opposite the Margaret Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance, next to the Renal and Cardiology Unit drop off point.
    • 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 the left going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 130cm.
    • 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 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (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).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is at the lower ground floor, Junction 14 - Green Zone.
    • This entrance may be the most convenient for services in the Green Zone.
    • Car parks 3 and 4 are the nearest to this entrance.
    • There are partial barriers at the top and bottom of the stairs which make reaching the handrails difficult.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 20:00.

Outside Access (Acorn Children's Unit)

  • This information is for the entrance located off Junction 12, in the Green Zone.
  • 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 136cm (4ft 6in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Acorn Children's 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 medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Route finding signage is available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Parents' Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 12m from the the Acorn Childrens Unit entrance.
  • 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 heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Ward (Acorn Children's Unit)

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • The ward is single sex.
  • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 15 side room(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was 27.
  • 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 heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • 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 and radios.
  • These services are not chargeable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • 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.
  • There is a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is a bathroom on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • A flashing alarm is available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.

Ward

Ward (Acorn Surgical Ward)

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • The ward is not single sex.
  • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was 1.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) to the area/room/bay.
  • 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 electric.
  • 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.
  • There is a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not a bathroom on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • A flashing alarm is available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • 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 120cm (3ft 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 is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Shower (Parents' Waiting Area)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the waiting area.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet (Parents' Waiting Area)

  • 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 no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the parents' waiting area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Acorn Children's Unit 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.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 184cm x 195cm (6ft x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 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 disposal units.
    • There is not 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.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Bathroom

  • The bathroom surveyed is unisex.
  • The standard bathroom is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • The facilities available in the standard bathroom include a toilet, a shower and a sink.
  • Comments View
    • The facility is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is an easy step to access the shower.
    • There is also a baby change facility available at a height of 90cm.

Standard Bathroom (En Suite - Room 26)

  • The bathroom surveyed is unisex.
  • The standard bathroom is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • The facilities available in the standard bathroom include a toilet, a shower and a sink.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar bathrooms in rooms 25 and 21. Rooms 18 and 19 have en suite toilets but no showers.

Standard Bathroom (Bath)

  • The bathroom surveyed is unisex.
  • The standard bathroom is 51m (55yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • The facilities available in the standard bathroom include a bath and a sink.

Accessible Toilet (Acorn Surgical Ward)

  • 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 no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the unit.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 52m (56yd 2ft) from the Acorn Children's Unit 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.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 257cm (5ft 2in x 8ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • 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 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 disposal units.
    • There is not 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 not available.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

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