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 3)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the south side of Hospital Road.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 475cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 215m from the Margaret Road entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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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. 3 hours no return.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- Payment machines are located at the side 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 (The Maternity Unit Entrance From Car Park 3)
- The Maternity Unit is/are located on Hospital Road.
- Access to the Maternity Unit is via the nearest car park (3).
- The Maternity Unit is a standalone building at the rear of the site. It is easier to use the nearest car park (Car Park 3) than go through the main building due to the distance. Car Park 3 is located to the rear of the Maternity Unit. From Car Park 3, use the ramped walkway next to the Blue Badge bays up to Hospital Road. Turn left at the top and follow the footway to the next corner. There are white painted pathway footprints to follow along the walkway. Turn left then cross over the access road. There are dropped kerbs and tactile paving at this crossing. Continue ahead and the entrance to the Maternity Unit will be on the left.
- There is ramped/sloped access to the Maternity Unit.
- The Maternity Unit is approximately 100m from the car park (3).
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
Getting To (Delivery Suite)
- Delivery Suite is/are located on the ground floor of the maternity building.
- Access to Delivery Suite is via the maternity building main entrance.
- Enter the maternity building via main entrance and go pass the reception desk and lifts located to your right, the Triage Area is directly across the foyer located within the Delivery Suite.
- There is step free access to Delivery Suite.
- Main entrance of the maternity building is approximately 22m from the Delivery Suite.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the maternity building 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.
Outside Access (Maternity Unit Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 105cm (3ft 5in).
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
Opening Times
- Reception is staffed 24 hours per day and This ward is open 24 hours.
Ward (Delivery Suite and Triage)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Delivery Suite and Triage ward.
- This is a female ward.
- There is/are 12 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 23 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is clear signage on the ward.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 116cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 70cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
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Example Side Room
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- There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
- The side room surveyed does have 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 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 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.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located off the main ward corridor.
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Visiting Times
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- There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is not available.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the delivery room 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Chairs with armrests are not available.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 not a television.
- Vending machines are not 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 bright.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 12 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located within room 15 and 17.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 29m from the Entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is 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 locking handle.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 176cm x 145cm (5ft 9in x 4ft 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- 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 74cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is sensor. 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 110cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm.
- 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- 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 115cm.
- There is not 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 no seat for the shower.
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Bath Details
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- There is not a bath.
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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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet 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 medium.
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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located outside the ward within the main entrance foyer next to the lifts.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Delivery Suite and Triage.
- 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 locking handle.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 197cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 6in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not 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 the right.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- 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 90cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot 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.
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.
- Maternity Unit link (new tab) - click here.
