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Lilac Birth Centre

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 3)

  • Car Park View
    • 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.
  • 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. 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).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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 (Lilac Birth Centre)

  • The Lilac Birth Centre is/are located within Magnolia Ward located on the 1st floor of the maternity building.
  • Access to the Lilac Birth Centre is via the Magnolia Ward on the 1st floor.
  • Enter via main entrance of the maternity building and go pass the reception desk located to your right. Take the lift to the 1st floor, and the Lilac Birth Centre is located within Magnolia Ward.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Lilac Birthing Centre - Magnolia Ward.
  • The Lila Birth Centre - Magnolia Ward is approximately 18m from the 2nd floor lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the maternity building 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).
  • Second set of doors View
    • 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).

Entrance (Lilac - Birth Centre (Magnolia Ward))

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located within Magnolia Ward, on the 1st floor of the maternity building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.

Ward (Lilac - Birth Centre (Magnolia Ward))

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Lilac Birthing Centre ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 5 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is not a/are not door(s) leading into 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 adjustable.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 100cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 74cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does not 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 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 adjustable.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is 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 adjustable.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the maternity building.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located opposite the reception desk.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are Husbands, Partners and children : 08.00 - 20.00 All visitors : 14.30 -20.00.

Entrance

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the 1st floor of the maternity building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located beyond the waiting room.
    • The reception point is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the Magnolia and Day Assessment.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • 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.
    • Subtitles are not available.
    • 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 medium.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 26m from the Magnolia Ward 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • 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 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 opposite the reception desk.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the Magnolia Ward and Day Assessment Ward.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • The accessible toilet is on a female ward.
    • 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 146cm x 179cm (4ft 9in x 5ft 10in).
    • 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 not an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not 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).
  • 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 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 96cm.
    • 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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the reception desk.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the Magnolia and day Assessment Ward.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

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