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West Berkshire Community Hospital - Highclere Ward

London Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AS

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Access Guide

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Getting To (West Berkshire Community Hospital - Highclere Ward)

  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge bays has a slight ramp or slope and a dropped kerb with tactile paving.
  • Access to Highclere Ward is via the main hospital entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • Highclere Ward is located on Floor 1, to the left as you exit the lift.
  • Highclere Ward is approximately 9m from the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance.
    Turn left at reception and take the lift to the first floor.
    Turn left as you exit the lift and Highclere Ward is directly ahead.
  • Internally the most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny .
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab)

Parking (West Berkshire Community Hospital)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the main hospital building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 227cm (width) x 468cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • The distance from the Blue Badge bays to the main hospital entrance is 35m. Those using the services at Hillcroft House, which this site is shared with, also park here and will then make their way over to Hillcroft House. The distance from the Blue Badge bays to Hillcroft House is 80m.
  • 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 at the main hospital reception.
    • 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).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • Blue Badge holders must enter their registration on the touchscreen and show their Blue Badge at the main hospital reception to receive free parking. Users of Hillcroft House must also pay for parking on exit in the main hospital building.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located at the front of the main hospital building.
    • There is a slight slope from the drop-off point to the main hospital entrance.

Entrance (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 151cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 109cm.

Lift (West Berkshire Community Hospital)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left as you enter the main hospital entrance.
  • The distance from the main hospital entrance is 7m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground floor and first floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 130cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 175cm (width) x 274cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Ward (West Berkshire Community Hospital - Highclere Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a rehabilitation ward, including neuro-rehabilitation.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There are 20+ bays available.
    • There are 6 side rooms available.
    • There are 20+ beds in total on the ward.
    • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There is an intercom at a height of 143cm.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 107cm.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
    • The locked door can be opened on request .
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 80cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 120cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding and dementia-friendly signage is provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
    • The desk has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests and bariatric chairs with armrests.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The hoist is mobile.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: toilets with adaptations and washrooms.
    • The nearest toilet with adaptations for visitors is located along the main hospital corridor on the ground floor.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (West Berkshire Community Hospital - Highclere Ward)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located within the bays.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located within the side rooms.
    • Standard washroom facilities are located at the end of the main ward corridor next to reception.

Consultation / Medical Room (Treatment Room)

  • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • The room surveyed was; Treatment Room.
  • The room is located along the main ward corridor.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Room (Family Room - Rainbow Room 2)

  • The room is located within Rainbow Room 2.
  • The distance from the ward entrance is 29m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 76cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm and a television with subtitles.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There are multiple 'Rainbow Room' side rooms, which have adjoining family rooms like this one.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Rainbow Room 2)

  • The bedroom surveyed is located at the end of the main ward corridor.
  • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • The bedroom has a single bed.
  • The top of the mattress is 73cm from the floor.
  • The space under the bed is 45cm from the floor.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
  • The following is available in this bedroom: an armchair, a height adjustable bed, bedside plug sockets, a TV with subtitles and a flashing fire alarm.
  • There is a push button emergency alarm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • This bedroom has an adjoining room.
  • The adjoining room is a family room.
  • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
  • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 85cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • The dimensions of the ensuite are 148cm (width) x 157cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 99cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 42cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 85cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 173cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 41cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.

Standard Bathroom (Bath)

  • The bathroom surveyed is located at the end of the main ward corridor, next to reception.
  • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
  • The bathroom door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 314cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a wall mounted towel dispenser available.
  • The wash basin has a lever tap.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • Additional features include: an emergency alarm.
  • The bathroom has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • The bathroom has a standard bath.
  • The bath controls are twist turn mixer.

Toilet with Adaptations (Room 4 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in Room 4.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 198cm (width) x 182cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 131cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 89cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 134cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.