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Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit

Wycombe Hospital, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 2TT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • From the A41 London to Bicester Road:
      Go through the village of Aston Clinton, turn left at the mini roundabout onto the B4544, go through the village of Weston Turville and turn right at the mini roundabout onto the A413 (Wendover Road). Take the first left into the A4010 (Station Road), follow the road over the railway bridge and on up to the mini roundabout, take the second exit into Lower Road. The entrances to the hospital are on the right side of the road, a mile on.
      From the A413 Wendover to Aylesbury Road:
      From the A413 (Wendover Road), turn left into the A410 (Station Road), follow the road over the railway bridge and on up to the mini roundabout, take the second turning at the roundabout onto Lower Road. The entrances to the hospital are on the right side of the road, a mile on.
      From the M40:
      Follow the signs for Thame, take the A418 Aylesbury Road into Aylesbury to the roundabout junction of the A41 (Gatehouse Road/Friarage Road). Turn right at the roundabout into Friarage Road and follow the road to the third roundabout, turn right into Walton Street and after 600 yards turn right at the traffic lights on to the B4443 (Stoke Mandeville Road). Go over the railway bridge and follow the road round to the left. The hospital entrances are on the left of the road.
    • Wycombe Hospital operates four car parks for patients and visitors. The main car park is ticket barrier entry with a pay on exit ticket machine, the smaller car parks are pay and display. These car parks are labelled A, B, C and D. These car parks do get busy so visitors are encouraged to use alternative modes of transport if possible.
  • By Bus View
    • Wycombe Hospital is located 10 minutes walk away from the town centre bus station. The bus station is served by all bus routes in the area, please use the Traveline Journey Planner to plan a journey to the bus station.

      Alternatively the following buses call just outside the hospital grounds.

      34 Arriva: Cressex – Wycombe Hospital – Railway Station – Bus Station

      High Wycombe Park & Ride PR1/X80 Carousel Buses: High Wycombe Coachway (Handy Cross) – Wycombe Hospital – Bus Station – Railway Station – Hicks Farm Rise (this is the order of the PR1 journeys, the X80 journeys serve the bus station before the Hospital). Please see the timetable for details.

      Park and Ride passengers can park for free at High Wycombe Coachway, at Handy Cross Hub, click here for parking information, fares and bus times.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station to Wycombe hospital is Wycombe station. Details of trains to Wycombe station can be accessed via the Chiltern Railways website.
  • Useful Links View

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 within the main foyer after the main entrance.
  • 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 volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Hospital staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Volunteers can be found at the main reception.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception.

Hospital Parking (Car Park B)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located to the right side 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 have a barrier control system.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen cannot be reached from the car.
    • 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 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 356cm x 491cm (11ft 8in x 16ft 1in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • 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 at the entrance to 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 at the front of the car park.
    • There is 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Orange Zone entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The car park is pay on exit via the use of ANPR on entry.

Getting To (Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit)

  • Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit is/are located in the Orange Zone.
  • Access to Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit is via the Orange Zone Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Orange Zone Main Entrance and take the lifts located on the right to second floor.
    Exit the lift and turn left.
    Proceed round the to the left and exit the building through the doors located straight ahead.
    Once outside continue straight and follow and signs for Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit which is located straight ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit.
  • Loakes - Surgical Admission Unit is approximately 43m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding 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.

Outside Access (Orange Zone Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the Orange Zone building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 143cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Other Floors (Front)

  • Stairs View
    • 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 exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 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 not 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 (Front)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead on entering the Orange Zone main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Orange Zone main 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, 2 and 3.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • 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 131cm (4ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 162cm x 242cm (5ft 4in 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 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 low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the visit in May 2023, the lift was not working.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 15:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 15:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Outside Access (Loakes Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the right side of the Orange Zone building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There are bollards outside this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 135cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 131cm.
    • 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 184cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the approach the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter Loakes.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Loakes 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 low (76cm or lower).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does 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 moderate to good.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the reception area.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is 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 Bay)

  • There is / are 10 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 4.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Room)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment Room 1.
  • 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 easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on the ground floor within the Purple/Blue Zone.

Standard Toilet(s) (Patients)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left of the consultation bays.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m from the Loakes entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is poor.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The information above relates to the female toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the male toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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