Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Acute Assessment Unit

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

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

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 4)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located off Back Road, in front of the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre.
    • 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 clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 4 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).
    • 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 opposite the car park 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.
    • Payment machines are located in the centre of the car park.
    • 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).
  • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking for Blue Badge holders is only free in designated bays.
    • Parking can also be paid by phone (020 3046 0010) or using the RingGo app, location 16373.
    • At the time of our visit (June 2017) the machines had not been updated to take the new £1 coin.
    • There is a wide tarmac path from the car park towards the building, including a crossing point with dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

Level Change (A&E Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the right and in front of the main entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 10 step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.

Outside Access (A&E Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on Back Road.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a small raised threshold in the doorway.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open automatically.
    • The doors are double width.
    • The door opening is 171cm (5ft 7in) wide.

Outside Access (A&E Internal Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located off Junction 6 on the main hospital corridor.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • A&E Internal Entrance
  • The main door(s) open away from you (push).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The door opening is 182cm (5ft 12in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is accessed via the Hospital Main Entrance.
    • It leads through to the A&E X-Ray and the Acute Assessment Unit.

Level Change (A&E Internal Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located just beyond entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Outside Access (Acute Assessment Unit Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of A&E.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The desk/counter is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • 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.

Waiting Room / Area (Entrance Foyer and Registration)

  • The vending machine controls are not within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • 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.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Reception (Triage Nurses' Station)

  • The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • 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.

Reception (Nurses' Station)

  • The desk/counter is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional nurses' section to the rear of the venue 50m from the main entrance.
    • It does not have a lowered section (photograph 3).

Ward

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is not single sex.
  • There is/are 9 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 16 side room(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was Bay G.
  • There is a/are door(s) to the area/room/bay.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 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.
  • 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 9m (9yd 2ft).
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
  • There is a bathroom on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • A flashing alarm is not available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.

Ward (Triage)

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was Male.
  • 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 173cm (5ft 8in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed(s)/between beds.
  • The bed(s) is/are adjustable.
  • The bed(s) has/have bedside storage.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is not an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not an accessible toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
  • There is a bathroom on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • A flashing alarm is not available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Ambulatory Care)

  • 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 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • 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 sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • 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 Bathroom (En suite - Bay G)

  • Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
  • There is/are 2 accessible bathroom(s) in this ward.
  • There is/are 2 accessible bathrooms with wheel in showers.
  • Location and access View
    • It was possible to access the bathroom during the survey.
    • The bathroom is unisex.
    • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
    • The accessible bathroom is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the unit entrance.
    • There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
  • Features and dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 250cm x 270cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 10in).
    • The bathroom has a non slip floor.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the toilet seat.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin height is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Wheel in shower details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • The shower seat is flip down.
    • The flip down or fixed seat height is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are handrails available.
  • Colour contrast and lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The toilet seat is 47cm high.
    • The accessible shower has drop down rails on each side.
    • There are similar bathrooms in each bay.

Accessible Bathroom (Triage En suite - Bay 2)

  • Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
  • There is/are 2 accessible bathroom(s) in this ward.
  • There is/are 2 accessible bathrooms with wheel in showers.
  • Location and access View
    • It was possible to access the bathroom during the survey.
    • The bathroom is unisex.
    • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
    • There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
  • Features and dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 285cm x 255cm (9ft 4in x 8ft 4in).
    • The bathroom has a non slip floor.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the toilet seat.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 towel dispenser is 118cm (3ft 10in) high.
    • 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin height is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Wheel in shower details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • The shower seat is flip down.
    • The flip down or fixed seat height is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are handrails available.
  • Colour contrast and lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 to the right as you enter.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the unit entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 167cm (7ft 3in x 5ft 6in).
    • 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 98cm (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 sensor.
    • 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 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 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 129cm (4ft 3in).
    • 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 130cm.
    • 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 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a female accessible toilet 1m from the entrance that is the mirror image of the one detailed above.

Standard Toilet(s)

Related Access Guides