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Neonatal Unit

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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located at the front of the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).

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.

Toilet with Adaptations (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 high.
    • 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 high.
    • 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 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 high.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual 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.

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