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Birth Centre

Birmingham Women's Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG

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Access Guide

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Getting to the Birth Centre

  • This route starts at the Blue Badge Bays within the main car park.
  • The most accessible route from here has step-free access via slope.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • This route also has bollards and a dropped kerb without tactile paving.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to this ward is via the main entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • This ward is located on the ground floor.
  • The ward is approximately 56m from the main entrance.
  • Enter via the Birmingham Women's Hospital main entrance.
  • Go straight ahead and follow the corridor to the right.
  • Continue through the doors ahead and follow the corridor to the left, past the lifts and café.
  • Turn right and enter the Assessment and Birthing Centre which is located straight ahead.
  • The Birth Centre entrance is on the right.
  • This route to the ward has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along this route.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned along this route.
  • There are resting areas along this route to the ward.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia-friendly signage is not provided.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route: accessible toilet (with right hand transfer) and standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Main Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the main entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 220cm (width) x 445cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight slope.
    • This route has bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the left of the main entrance .
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Main Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the hospital.
  • 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.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 157cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second, single automatic door.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 146cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the hospital.

Assessment and Birthing Centre Entrance

  • This entrance is located on the ground floor corridor.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 155cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.

Birth Centre

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a female only ward.
    • The ward includes side rooms.
  • 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 a key fob/card reader at a height of 134cm.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The doors require effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 168cm.
    • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include moveable physical obstructions.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor along circulation routes.
    • Some flooring is patterned.
    • There may be background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a mobile hoist on this ward.
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.

Birth Centre Outside Seating Area

  • Location and Access View
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to this area.
    • There are double manual doors.
    • The doors are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 89cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
    • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is partially covered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
    • Seating is fixed.
    • There may be background noise in this area.

Bedroom 19 and Ensuite with Adaptations

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the ward corridor.
    • The distance from the Birth Centre entrance is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 94cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a single bed.
    • The bed is height adjustable.
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed.
    • Seating available in the bedroom includes: a chair with armrests.
    • Furniture available in the bedroom includes: a table.
    • The following is also available in this bedroom: bedside plug sockets.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a medium colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 83cm.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 244cm (width) x 162cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is no dropdown grab rail for the toilet.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a long mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a shower seat.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a low colour contrast.
    • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.

Bedroom 21 and Ensuite

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the ward corridor.
    • The distance from the Birth Centre entrance is 25m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 97cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a single bed.
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed.
    • Seating available in the bedroom includes: a chair with armrests.
    • Furniture available in the bedroom includes: a table.
    • The following is also available in this bedroom: bedside plug sockets.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • There is a birthing pool with portable steps in the bedroom.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 84cm.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 214cm (width) x 200cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • Additional features include: a mirror and an emergency alarm.
    • The ensuite has a clinical waste bin.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The shower has been removed from the ensuite.

Birth Pool D19

  • The bathroom surveyed is located between bedrooms 19 and 20 and access is from either of these rooms only. The entrance described is from Bedroom 19.
  • The distance from the Birth Centre entrance is 22m.
  • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
  • The door opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 284cm (width) x 386cm (depth).
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The bathroom has a clinical waste bin.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The ensuite has a bath with an overhead shower.
    • The bath has twist/turn controls.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • The bath is a birthing pool with steps to access.

Toilet with Adaptations (No Lateral Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ward corridor.
    • The distance from the Birth Centre entrance is 30m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 91cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 290cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on top of the cistern.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown grab rails have a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 41cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 75cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has lever taps.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 113cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a pedal bin and a clinical waste bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 86cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.