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BMA House - Basement - Dickens Room, Quiet Room and Baby Care/Feeding and Medical Room

BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Tavistock Square is located in Central London, south of Euston Station, just off Euston Road (A501).
      If driving to Tavistock Square, please be aware that it is located within the Congestion Charge Zone.
    • The venue has 21 parking bays available via prior arrangement only. Please contact the venue for more information.
      There is both standard and Blue Badge on street parking available on the north side of Tavistock Square.
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Euston.
    • The nearest step-free underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras.
    • Euston underground station is approximately 350 metres from the venue and services the Northern and Victoria Lines.
      King's Cross St. Pancras is approximately 750 metres from the venue and services the Circle, Hammersmith and City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria Lines.
      There are a number of alternative tube stations situated nearby including Euston Square (step-free access from westbound only) and Russell Square.
    • For more information on underground services please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The place of safety is located on the basement floor, next to the Dickens Room.
  • There are fixed hearing assistance systems available in multiple meeting rooms/event spaces.
    There are portable hearing assistance systems available that can be made available across all meeting rooms/event spaces without fixed loops. Please contact the venue for further information regarding hearing assistance systems.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance from reception.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available from reception.
  • A wheelchair is available from reception.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The building does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located at the centre of the building, off Tavistock Square.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There are a total of 30 spaces cross the two levels of the car park.
      21 spaces are available to book in advance for visitors to the venue.
      Staff do not have general use of the car park unless for a specified reason.
      9 spaces are rented out by tenants of the venue.
      There are 2 electric charging points within the lower level car park with the ability to charge 4 cars (2 ports per charging point).
      The electric charging ports and controls are between 120cm-125cm in height.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • Access from the ground level of the car park is via the vehicle access slope used to access the car park.
      This slope is long and steep.
      This slope can be bypassed via lift if required, please contact the venue in advance for more information.
      Access from the basement level of the car park is also via the vehicle access slope leading down from the ground level of the car park.
      This slope is also long and steep.
      Alternatively, there is stepped access (13 total) up to the ground level of the car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the north corner of Tavistock Square.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'British Medical Association, Main Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception (Main)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the 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, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 109cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 06/02/2023.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and tiles.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are chairs with armrests and bench seats available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
    • There is a water dispenser and a television in the waiting area.
      There are security gates located next to the reception that access the majority of the ground floor.
      The standard gate is 64cm in width.
      The wider gate is 88cm in width.
      The security gates are key card activated.
      The key card reader is at a height of 102cm.
      There are 2 welcome desks that are used for events located either side of the reception.
  • Comments View
    • The closest accessible toilet to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor – left hand transfer.
    • The closest standard toilets to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor.
    • The closest standard shower to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor - shared.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 144cm x 136cm (4ft 9in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • The lift can only be operated via key card on the ground level.
    • The key card reader is at a height of 120cm.
    • There is a key card reader within the lift at a height of 110cm.

Other Floors (Main)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are automatic, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • Access to the stairwell is via key card on the ground floor.
      The key card reader is at a height of 137cm and is located behind a large column which may cause issues with regards to accessing it.
      There is a push pad and key card reader at a height of 140cm to exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, 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 not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
    • There are rounded handrails on the right hand side going up only.
      The handrail on the left hand side going up extends horizontally but is not rounded.

Room(s) (Dickens)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Dickens Room.
    • Dickens Room is located on the basement floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, along the corridor.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 73cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a television screen and a whiteboard.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a kitchen facility with sink at the rear of the room. The counter/sink is at a height of 92cm.

Room(s) (Quiet)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Quiet Room.
    • The Quiet Room is located on the basement floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, along the corridor.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Room(s) (Baby Care/Feeding and Medical Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Baby Care/Feeding and Medical Room.
    • The Baby Care/Feeding and Medical Room is located on the basement floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, along the corridor.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • A key is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key lock is 134cm.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 66cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The key can be obtained from the security lodge.
      There is a counter with a sink within the room at a height of 92cm.
      The gap between the underside of the bed and the floor is 41cm.
      The bed is at a height of 51cm.
      There is a flip down baby changing table at a height of 90cm.
      The is an emergency alarm cord that is not functional due to it being tied up and above 10cm from the floor.

Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the basement level, to the left as you exit the main lift, along the corridor on the left hand side.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 102cm.