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Play Department

Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, B4 6NH

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital is located on Steelhouse Lane.
    • Parking is available at the NCP Royal Angus Car Park located on Whittall Street, B4 6HD opposite the hospital or Printing House Car Park located on Printing House Street B4 6DE.
  • By Bus View
    • Services 33, 51, 52, 65, 67, X3, X4, X5, 907, X14, 934, 935, 935A, 936, 997, X51 stop on James Watt Queensway or on Corporation Street.
      Services 16, 74 stop at the bus stop at Old Square.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Birmingham Children's Hospital)

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0121 333 8403.
  • 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 in the main foyer.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request and Makaton on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • 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.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.

Hospital Parking (Drop Off)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does not have a dedicated car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located outside the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The drop off bay is 14m from the main entrance.

Public Parking

Getting To (Play Department)

  • Play Department is/are located on the ground floor at the end of Hospital Street.
  • Access to Play Department is via the Main Hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and proceed along the main corridor past the reception located on the right. Turn left on to Hospital Street and continue to the end. There is a medium slope at the end of Hospital leading to the Play Department located to the right.
  • There is step free access to Play Department.
  • Play Department is approximately 122m from the Main Hospital entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Main Hospital entrance and the department/service.
  • 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.
  • There is flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 130cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 147cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 171cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left and right and beyond the 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre going up the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The doors are locked at 10.00pm when the intercom is needed and exit button.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor at the end of Hospital Street.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located just after the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is 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 lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.

Entrance (Play Department)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left just after the Play Department main entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • The main 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 86cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead on entering the All About Play Main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the All About Play 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 not 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 low (76cm or lower) .
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is available.
    • There is 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.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Sensory Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Sensory Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is not a chair.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room 2)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 2.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Admissions Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Admissions Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Outside Play Area

  • There is rubber flooring at the outside play area.
  • There are easy to medium slopes.

Standard Changing Room

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located next to the accessible toilet.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the All About Play Main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the All About Play Main entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 292cm (6ft 7in x 9ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 46cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 113cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located within the standard changing room.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Play Department entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

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