Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

BMA House (Members) - First Floor - Council Chamber

BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

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 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.
  • There is a quiet room located near Entrance D on the ground floor.

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 across the two levels of the car park.
      On any given day there would normally be up to 10 available bays for visitors, this includes the basement car parking bays. This a 'first come first served' for visitors upon their arrival.
      Staff can request parking if bays are available.
      12 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.

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 placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 115cm.
    • There is 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 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.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • 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 04/03/2025.
    • 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 flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • 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 bench seats and chairs with armrests available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
    • There is 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 toilet with adaptations 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.

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.
    • The width of the opening is 210cm.
    • 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 123cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Lift (South East)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) 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 and 3.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 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.

Other Floors (South East)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
    • The stairs are approximately 55m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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 are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the female standard toilets on the stairwell landing between the ground and basement level.

Hall / Chamber (Council Chamber)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Council Chamber.
    • The Council Chamber is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the South East lift.
    • 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.
    • There is written signage for the room, in block capital 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 high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Hall / Chamber Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • There is push pad access both when entering and exiting the Council Chamber.
      The push pads are at a height of 110cm.
      There is similar set of push pad operated doors accessing the Council Chamber from the other side of the Chamber.
      This set of doors is accessed by taking the South West lift up to the first floor.
    • The door(s) is/are double.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not step free access to the speaker's area.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 72cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the lectern is 102cm.
    • The lectern is not height adjustable.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • This room has a television screen.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is are; chairs with armrests.
    • There is staggered seating within the hall / chamber.
    • The minimum width between the rows of seating is 80cm.
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There is not a designated space available for wheelchair users.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There is not space for an assistance dog.
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • 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 good.
    • There is not a designated space for wheelchair users, however if needed chairs in the front row are removed to make space available for any wheelchair users.
    • There is step-free access to the front row of seating.
      The 4 steps leading up to the rest of the seating are each 7cm in height.
      There is a single 7cm high step leading up to the speaker's area on either side.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Opposite Bloomsbury Room - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, opposite the Bloomsbury Room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 199cm x 148cm (6ft 6in x 4ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 112cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 72cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor - Opposite David Carter Room)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, at the far end of the corridor, opposite the David Carter Room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 32m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor - Opposite Bloomsbury Room)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, opposite the Bloomsbury Room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • 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.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift, opposite the Bloomsbury Room.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.