Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Neonatal 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 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.

Parking (Car Park 3)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 300cm x 400cm (9ft 10in x 13ft 1in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 110m (120yd 11in) from the Maternity Unit entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 128m (139yd 2ft) from the Maternity Unit entrance.
  • 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 car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is a designated drop off point.
  • The drop off point is located outside the Maternity Unit.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
  • There is tactile paving on the dropped kerb.

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).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the entrance, on the right.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Maternity Unit entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 290cm (5ft 1in x 9ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Getting To (Neonatal Unit)

  • The Neonatal Unit is/are located on the first floor of the Maternity Unit.
  • Access to the Neonatal Unit is via the Maternity Unit main entrance.
  • On entering the Maternity Unit, go past reception and take the lifts on the right to the first floor. On exiting the lift turn right. The unit will be located at the end of the corridor on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Neonatal Unit.
  • The Neonatal Unit is approximately 45m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Maternity Unit entrance and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Entrance (Neonatal Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Maternity Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.

Reception (Neonatal Unit)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Neonatal Unit entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly 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 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 high (110cm+) .
    • There is not 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 not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • 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 good.

Inside Access (Neonatal Unit)

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are not allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • 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 good.

Room / Area (Family Area)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the Neonatal Unit entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m from the Neonatal Unit 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 good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 226cm x 214cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 157cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by 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 contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • 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 nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 108cm and 144cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 50cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 85cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the right as you the Neonatal Unit.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Neonatal Unit entrance.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.