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Ward 8

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
      • From the South

        From the M6 take the exit towards A38(M) to Birmingham Central, continue for 1.9 miles, then take Wellington Rd and Edgbaston Park Rd to Mindelsohn Way.
        Stay on the Aston Express Way/A38 in the right lanes follow A38 for about 9 miles. Then turn right then left onto Spring Road. Then turn right onto Wellington Road for 0.5 miles then continue straight onto Sir Harrys Road.
        Continue onto Priory Road, then at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Rd/B4217.
        After 0.1 miles turn left onto Edgbaston Park Road, turn right onto Somerset Road, then turn left onto Farquhar Road.
        At the next roundabout, continue straight onto Vincent Drive, then turn right onto Mindelsohn Way. The Hospital will be on right.

      • From the North

        • From the M5 leave at Junction 1, continue on A4252 for 19 minutes (5.7 miles).
        At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kenrick Way/A4252.
        Go straight then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Telford Way/A4252.
        Follow the road until the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Tollhouse Way/A457.
        Follow road then at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Grove Lane/A457. Then the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Dudley Road/A457.
        Then turn right onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129.
        Follow the road then turn right onto City Rd/A4040 and then turn left onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129.
        Turn left onto Portland Rd/B4125 then turn right onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129 Continue until you turn left onto Somerset Rd.
        At the roundabout, then take the 1st exit and stay on Somerset Rd.
        At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Pritchatts Rd then the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Vincent Drive.
        Then turn right onto Mindelsohn Way, the Hospital will be on the left.
        .
    • The car parking is open air, tarmac surface, with no barriers and is located to the front of the building.
      Public could use the nearest multi-storey car parks around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital if this is full, these have charges separate to the Women's Hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest Bus Stop is and is Metchley Park Road and serve by nxbus.
      Services to this stop are 10H, 10S, 27 and 19. This is off site and approximately 400 metres away on public footpaths.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Train Station is University, it is served by cross-country trains and London midland.
      The station is a 6 minute walk on public footpaths over 500 meters away or a 5 minute taxi ride.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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 335 8226.
  • 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 reception area from Monday to Saturday.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print, Makaton 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, walking frames and crutches.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the main hospital entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not 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 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 570cm x 590cm (18ft 8in x 19ft 4in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the front left of the main hospital entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders only if they park in a Blue Badge bay.

Getting To (Ward 8)

  • Ward 8 is/are located on the fourth floor of the hospital.
  • Access to Ward 8 is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and proceed past the main hospital reception desk on the left, follow the corridor around the corner and into the main hospital central corridor. Turn right past the patient information desk and take the lifts on the right to the fourth floor. On exiting go through the door to the left and then turn right along the corridor, the entrance to Ward 8 is located at the end of the corridor.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 8.
  • Ward 8 is approximately 15m from the lift.
  • 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 some 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.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the main hospital 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 not/do not 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 146cm.

Other Floors (Main Stairway)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not 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, 3, 4 and 5.
    • 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 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 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • Handrails on the left going up do extend horizontally above the last step on each flight but are not continuous.

Lift (Main Lifts 1 and 2)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the ground floor of the main hospital.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the main hospital 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, 3, 4 and 5.
  • 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 118cm (3ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 220cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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.

Reception (Ward 8)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the right of the main ward corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Ward 8 entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Ward (Ward 8)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an gynaecology ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 138cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 92cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is fair.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the hospital opposite the information desk and lifts.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14.00 to 16.30 and 18.30 to 20.00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Ward 8)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 5m from the ward 8 entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 163cm (5ft 4in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is not a television.
  • 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 medium.

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 285cm x 178cm (9ft 4in x 5ft 10in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 169cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 89cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is sensor. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 117cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 124cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is sensor.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour 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 colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 4 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in room B.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 236cm x 172cm (7ft 9in x 5ft 8in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 167cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is sensor. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 124cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 144cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 94cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • The height of the shower head is 202cm (6ft 8in).
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is sensor.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors Toilets)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located just inside the Ward 8 entrance on the main ward corridor.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Ward 8 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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