Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Stoke Mandeville Hospital is situated to the South of Aylesbury Town Centre and North of Stoke Mandeville. The site is located on Mandeville Road and can be accessed via the A418, Walton Street and Stoke Road to the North and the A413 and Station Road to the South.
- Blue Badge and standard parking is located on site.
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By Bus
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- Stoke Mandeville Hospital is served by the following buses: Route 9 Arriva: Aylesbury – Walton Court – Stoke Mandeville Hospital Route 55 Redline Buses: Aylesbury – Stoke Mandeville Hospital – Wendover – Great Missenden – Amersham – Chesham Route 112 Z&S Transport: Waddesdon – Brill – Thame – Bishopstone – Aylesbury (Wednesday and Friday only) Route 165 Z & S Transport: Leighton Buzzard – Aston Abbotts – Wingrave – Aylesbury – Stoke Mandeville Hospital Route 300/X30 Arriva: Aylesbury – Stoke Mandeville - Princes Risborough – (Naphill 300 only) – (Saunderton X30 only) - High Wycombe Route 321 Redline: Aylesbury – Stoke Mandeville – Butlers Cross – Princes Risborough – Saunderton – High Wycombe.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station to Stoke Mandeville hospital is Aylesbury station. Details of trains to Aylesbury station can be accessed via the Chiltern Railways website.
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Useful Links
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- The below link is for the operating company for Stoke Mandeville train station.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The below link is for the operating company for buses to Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The below link is for the operating company for buses to Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the first floor.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01296 316 042.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
- Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print 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 not 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 main reception.
Hospital Parking (Centre Parking)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located in front of the National Spinal Injuries Centre.
- 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) markings are faded.
- There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 390cm x 490cm (12ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located in front of the centre entrance.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 uneven surfaces.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the centre entrance.
Getting To (St Andrew Ward)
- St Andrew Ward is/are located on the first floor of the National Spinal Injuries Centre.
- Access to St Andrew Ward is via the Spinal Injuries Centre main entrance.
- After entering the National Spinal Injuries Centre via the main entrance proceed along the corridor and turn right.
Upon reaching an opening turn right and proceed through the double doors on the right to the lifts.
Take the lifts to the first floor and on exiting turn left.
Continue along the corridor and the St Andrew Ward is to the left. - There is step free access, via lift, to St Andrew Ward.
- St Andrew Ward is approximately 16m from the lifts.
- There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Spinal Injuries Centre main entrance and the department/service.
- 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.
- 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 Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the centre.
- 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 an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 98cm (3ft 3in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 185cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located directly ahead on entering.
- The reception point is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the centre 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, 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 a bell to attract attention.
- The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- 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 07/07/2022.
- The hearing assistance system 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 provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 not 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 good.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building.
- There is a slight slope, with no handrails, for access to the National Spinal Injuries Centre link to the main hospital building.
- This slope is shown in photograph 4.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet and vinyl.
- There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails are provided in some corridors.
- Seating is provided in some corridors.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage and Wayfinding
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- The wayfinding signage includes some pictograms.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- Maps are provided at key intersections.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are 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.
- 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 not 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 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 of the building are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear of the centre.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the centre 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.
- 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The controls are 112cm high.
- 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 254cm x 150cm (8ft 4in x 4ft 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 not 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 not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an spinal injuries ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 23 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 118cm (3ft 10in).
- 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is no 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.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 101cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- 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.
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Example Side Room
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- There are no side rooms available with 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 medium.
- The lighting levels in the side room are moderate to good.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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 available on the ward.
- There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
- There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 09.00-20.30.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located to the left on entering the ward.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is tactile, pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) does not/do not have a lock.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 290cm x 320cm (9ft 6in x 10ft 6in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is not a mirror.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 87cm.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever. 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 110cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 109cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 57cm (1ft 10in).
- The cistern is not close coupled and no padded back rest is provided.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 120cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 127cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- There is a fixed seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 57cm (1ft 10in).
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Relatives Room - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located within the relatives room.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 7m from the ward 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 no signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a hook.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 219cm x 193cm (7ft 2in x 6ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 95cm from floor level.
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 167cm.
- 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 is no dropdown rail.
- 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 left.
- 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 high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- There is a push button alarm in the toilet.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 101cm and 140cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 120cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 51cm (1ft 8in).
- 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 84cm (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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Stoke Mandeville National Spinal Injuries Centre link (new tab) - click here.
- Stoke Mandeville Hospital Main Building link (new tab) - click here.