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Rheumatology

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

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 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.

Getting To (Rheumatology)

  • Rheumatology is/are located on level one of the hospital.
  • Access to Rheumatology is via the Main Hospital Entrance (C).
  • Enter via Main Hospital Entrance (C) and proceed straight down the main corridor.
    Take the main lifts located on the right to level one.
    On exiting the lift, turn left and Rheumatology is located on the left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Rheumatology.
  • Rheumatology is approximately 4m from the lifts.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Clinics for Rheumatology are held within the Rheumatology Department and also in Outpatients.
    • The letter sent to patients should inform them of whether to go to Outpatients or the Rheumatology Department.
    • If sent to Outpatients, the Outpatients guide should be used as a reference.

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.

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

  • Access is by appointment only.

Entrance (Rheumatology)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level one 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 no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • 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 door opening is 165cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.

Reception (Rheumatology)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Rheumatology 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.
  • 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 carpet.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The reception is only staffed on the days when a clinic is taking place in the department.

Inside Access (Rheumatology)

  • 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 available.
  • No Braille signage is available.
  • No tactile signage is available.
  • Some pictorial signage is 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception desk.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Rheumatology entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 221cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

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