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Chestnut Ward

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

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Access Guide

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Overview (Whipps Cross University Hospital)

  • 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
  • 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.

Parking (Car Park 1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Hospital Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 11m from the main hospital entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There are 5 clearly marked steps from the standard bays in the car park to the hospital main entrance that can be bypassed by going back through the car park and round to the right. The steps are 15cm in height and have handrails on both sides.
  • 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 in the centre of the car park.
    • There is 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).
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There is 1 electric vehicle charging point.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 240cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (Chestnut Ward)

  • Chestnut Ward is/are located in level 3 of the Orange zone.
  • Access to Chestnut Ward is via the Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Entrance and turn right. Turn left and go down the corridor. At Junction 2 take the lift to Level 3. Exit the lift and the entrance to Chestnut Ward is located in front of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Chestnut Ward.
  • Chestnut Ward is approximately 6m from the Orange Zone Level Lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Main Entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly 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.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located off Hospital Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy ramp at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 113cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 117cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 156cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Exit (Main Entrance)

  • The exit area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There is a single automatic door at this exit.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 128cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 115cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you exit.

Lift (Junction 3 - No.9)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the main corridor at junction 3.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 86m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground floor, first floor and second floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 131cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 165cm (width) x 243cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Elderly Medicine ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no clear signage on the ward.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is not sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 - 19:30.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Washroom (Ensuite Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • 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 ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 167cm x 160cm (5ft 6in x 5ft 3in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • 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 135cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 133cm.
    • 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 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm.
    • There is a flush 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 right.
    • 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 102cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet 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.

Washroom (Bay Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • 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 ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial and written or text 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 heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 216cm x 278cm (7ft 1in x 9ft 1in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • 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 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 134cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
    • 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).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a 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 145cm.
    • There is a flush 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 right.
    • 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 118cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right on entering the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the ward entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 210cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 93cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 134cm.
    • 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left on entering the ward.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the ward entrance.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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