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Hydrotherapy

Amersham Hospital, Whielden Street, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0JD

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • From the M40 Beaconsfield at Junction 2 follow signs for Amersham and take the A355. Continue down the steep hill and go straight across the first roundabout. Go left at the next roundabout at the bottom of the hill. At the next roundabout turn left into Whielden Street. The hospital is located 500 metres on the right. From the Chorleywood M25 junction follow signs for Amersham and take the A404. As you enter Amersham follow the signs for High Wycombe and take the bypass. Go straight across the Stanley Hill roundabout then turn right at the Gore Hill roundabout. At the bottom of the hill turn left at the mini roundabout then take the first left into Whielden Street. The hospital is located 500 metres on the right. From Aylesbury follow signs for Amersham and take the A413 then the Amersham bypass. At the Whielden Lane roundabout turn right onto the A404 to High Wycombe and then turn left into Whielden Street. Take the first left and the main car park is about 400m down the road. From High Wycombe follow signs for Amersham and take the A404 to Amersham. As you enter to Amersham you will pass a Crematorium on the left and then come to a roundabout. Go completely around the roundabout and head back towards High Wycombe. Take the first turning on the left into Whielden Street. Take the first left and the main car park is about 400m down the road. Please Note: It is not possible to turn right into Whielden Street from the A404.
    • The main car park is at the rear of the building. There is an additional car park at the front of the building. There is also a limited number of parking spaces available on the public highway at the front of the hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • Amersham Hospital is served by the following buses: Route 1 Arriva/Carousel: High Wycombe – Hazlemere – Holmer Green - Amersham – Chesham Route 55 Redline Buses: Aylesbury – Stoke Mandeville Hospital – Wendover – Great Missenden –Amersham – Chesham Route 73 Red Rose Travel: Whelpley Hill – Chesham – Amersham – Winchmore Hill - Coleshill Route 353 Redline Buses: Slough – Stoke Poges – Gerrards Cross – The Chalfonts – Amersham.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station to Amersham hospital is Amersham station. Details of trains to Amersham station can be accessed via the Chiltern Railways website.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest London Underground station is Amersham station.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Volunteers can be found at the help desks.
  • Hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print on request, Makaton on request and different languages 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.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact staff at Main Entrance C and Entrance D.

Hospital Parking (Main Hospital Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital site.
    • 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 concrete.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 480cm (12ft x 15ft 9in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do not 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 not 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 18m (19yd 2ft) from the entrance (C).
  • Comments View
    • There is free parking for Blue Badge holders provided a valid Blue Badge is clearly displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle.

Getting To (Hydrotherapy)

  • Hydrotherapy is/are located on level one of the hospital.
  • Access to Hydrotherapy is via the Main Hospital Entrance (C).
  • Enter via Main Hospital Entrance (C) and continue down the main corridor.
    Take the main lifts located on the right to level one.
    On exiting the lifts turn right and Hydrotherapy is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Hydrotherapy.
  • Hydrotherapy is approximately 14m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lift and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance - C)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the hospital site.
    • 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 not/do not 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • 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 121cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Entrance (Outpatients)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level two of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1,2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going 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.

Lift (Main Lifts)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located straight ahead as you enter the Main Hospital Entrance (C).
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Main Hospital Entrance (C).
  • 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.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 151cm x 241cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Opening Times (Hydrotherapy)

  • Access is by appointment only.

Entrance (Hydrotherapy)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level one within the Therapy Department.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the department 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 no 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 high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • 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.
  • 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 a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is available.
    • 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 moderate to good.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Hydrotherapy

  • There are 9 steps leading to the pool and a further 8 steps leading into the pool.
  • The steps have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrail is within 90cm - 100cm of the stairs.
  • There is a lower handrail between 37cm - 47cm.
  • The steps have a tread of 26cm.
  • The height of the steps is 17cm.
  • There is a ceiling track hoist that covers the area of the pool.
  • The weight limit for the hoist is 200kg.

Washroom (Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located to the right as you enter the department.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 7m from the department entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 137cm x 150cm (4ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
    • 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 178cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a wash basin.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Changing Cubicle / Room

  • The changing cubicle/room is located to the left of the hydrotherapy pool.
  • The changing cubicle/room is 5m from the waiting room/area.
  • There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
  • The type of flooring in the room is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the cubicle/room.
  • There is a bench seating in the cubicle/room.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 180cm from the floor.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the changing cubicle/room.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The bench height is 45cm.
    There are 2 standard changing cubicles.

Accessible Changing Room

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located to the left of the hydrotherapy pool.
  • The facility is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the department entrance.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 176cm x 250cm (5ft 9in x 8ft 2in).
  • The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a changing bench.
  • The facility changing bench is free standing.
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The length of the bench is 188cm (6ft 2in).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the pool.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m from the department entrance.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 300cm x 164cm (9ft 10in x 5ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 192cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 117cm and 160cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 97cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 132cm.
    • 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 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.

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