You are on Getting Help and Assistance (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance (Maternity Hospital)

• To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 028 96 157 777 / 028 90 240 503.
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Volunteers can be found in the main foyer of the hospital, adjacent to the main reception area.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
• BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided in the following languages; Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese - Cantonese, Chinese - Hakka, Chinese - Mandarin, Czech, Estonian, Farsi, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Kurdish Kurmanji, Kurdish Sorani, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Moldovan, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tetum, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish and Urdu.
• A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooter.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact Shopmobility on 028 9080 8090.

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• Useful Links View
  • Patient and Visitor Facilities link (new tab) - click here.
  • Visitors Information link (new tab) - click here.
• Comments View
  • PALS is available via telephone only.

You are on Getting to the Maternity Hospital from the Royal Victoria Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting to the Maternity Hospital from the Royal Victoria Hospital

• From the Royal Victoria Hospital main entrance, bear right and cross the access road to the pavement opposite (photographs 1 and 2).
  
• Go past the pillar and follow the path as it bends to the left (photograph 3).
  
• There is a slight slope down and black pillars on the right at the kerb edge.
  
• At the junction turn right and cross the service road (photograph 4). There are dropped kerbs with tactile paving at each side.
  
• Follow the covered walkway on the right hand side of the main hospital road (photograph 5).
  
• Turn right after 40m to the entrance of the Maternity Hospital (photographs 6 and 7).

You are on Parking (Visitors Park 1). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Visitors Park 1)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located across the road from the main hospital building.
  • The car park is open air/surface and multi-storey.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • The height of the restriction barrier is 328cm.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 229cm (width) x 458cm (depth).
  • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
  • The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 28m from the hospital underpass entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope and bollards.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Access to the hospital from this car park is via an underpass that goes under the road.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays and at the front 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Maternity Hospital)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located to the left of the main entrance.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does 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 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 260cm x 420cm (8ft 6in x 13ft 9in).
  • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located next to the main entrance.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
• 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Maternity Hospital entrance.
• Comments View
  • The car park is accessed by using the intercom at the barrier.

You are on Outside Access (Maternity Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Maternity Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped 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 an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 125cm (4ft 1in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
  • 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 permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 162cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.

You are on Reception (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Maternity Hospital)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located inside the main entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Maternity Hospital main 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • 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 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 carpet and vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • The seats do not have armrests.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • Vending machines are 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.
• Comments View
  • There are black mats in this area that could be perceived as a hole or level change.

You are on Getting Around (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Maternity Hospital)

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• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
  • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the birthing suite.
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails are provided in some corridors.
  • Seating is provided in some corridors.
  • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Signage and Wayfinding View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

You are on Amenities (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Amenities (Maternity Hospital)

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• Shops and Services View
  • The shops/services available include; a coffee shop.
• ATM Machines View
  • There is not an/are not ATM machine(s) available.
• Pay Phones and Charging Points View
  • Pay phones are not available.
  • Phone charging points are not available.
• Public WiFi View
  • Free public WiFi is available.
  • The WiFi is 'HSC Guest'.
    WiFi is available in all areas of the hospital.
• TV Pre-Payment Machines View
  • There are no TV pre-pay machines for patients.
• Additional Information View
  • There is a free phone to order taxis.

You are on Lift (Front). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Front)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left of reception.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Meternity Hospital main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 112cm (3ft 8in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 142cm x 289cm (4ft 8in 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.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Lift (Rear). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Rear)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the rear of the building.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 67m (73yd 10in) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 122cm (4ft).
• The dimensions of the lift are 156cm x 242cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 11in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The internal controls are 137cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors (Maternity Hospital - Central Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Maternity Hospital - Central Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors (Maternity Hospital - Main Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Maternity Hospital - Main Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Opening Times (Cafe). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Cafe)

• Monday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Tuesday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Wednesday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Thursday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Friday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Saturday 08:30 - 18:30.
• Sunday 08:30 - 18:30.

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• Comments View
  • The café may be closed between 14:00 to 14:30 on some days.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Cafe). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

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• Location and Access View
  • The café is located on the ground floor.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • For access there is a single manual door which may be difficult to open.
• Service and Menus View
  • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
  • Menu types include; handheld menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 93cm.
  • The height of the tray counter/rail is 76cm.
  • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Room / Area (Quiet Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Quiet Room)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
• The room / area is approximately 15m from the rear lift.
• 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
• The type of flooring is carpet.
• 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.
• All chairs have 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 moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • For access to this room please contact a member of staff.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Reception). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Reception)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The shared toilet is located in the reception area.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
  • There is pictorial 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 high.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The shared toilet is located on the second floor.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 120m from the main entrance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
  • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is medium.
  • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
  • The visual contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is medium.
  • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
  • The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is medium.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
• Baby Changing Facilities 2 View
  • Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 97cm.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Rear). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Rear)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located near the rear lift.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the rear lift.
  • There is pictorial 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 medium.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • There are similar toilets on the first floor.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor)

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The shared toilet is located on the second floor near to the rear lift.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the rear lift.
  • 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.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
  • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
  • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
  • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
  • The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 91cm.

You are on Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Maternity Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Maternity Hospital)

• Shared standard toilet facilities are located in the reception area and on the second floor.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor.
• Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the second floor in the standard toilet.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Getting To and Around Royal Victoria Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
• Parking at Royal Victoria Hospital link (new tab) - click here.