Access Guide
English to Welsh Translation
- Mae’r canllawiau hyn ar gael yn Gymraeg. Dewiswch ‘accessibility’ yn y gornel dde uchaf, clicio ar y symbol iaith ac yna chwilio am ‘Welsh/Cymraeg’.
- These guides are available in Welsh by selecting accessibility in the top right-hand corner, clicking on the language symbol, and then searching for Welsh.
Summary
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Service
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- Cardigan House is located within the grounds of University Hospital of Wales off Heath Park Way.
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include; student support services, student occupational health and counselling, health and wellbeing.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on floors 1 and 2.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on floor 2.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on floor 1.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- This building is located within the University Hospital of Wales site, which is located to the north of Cardiff City Centre.
- There are car parks located around the hospital area that provide parking for visitors for up to four hours.
There is also a free park and ride.
The bus runs from Pentwyn, just off the A48(M) at CF23 8HH to the University Hospital of Wales site.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the building.
- The main University Hospital Bus Stop is along the Gateway and serves routes 2 City Circle, 8, 9, 9A, 15, 26, 51, 64, 65, 65A, 86, 86X, 95 and G1.
There is also a free bus service from the Cardiff Park and Ride. - For more information on Cardiff Bus please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Heath Low Level.
- The nearest train stations are Heath High Level (Rhymney Valley line to and from Cardiff) and Heath Low Level (Coryton line to and from Cardiff).
Both are one mile away from the University Hospital of Wales site. - For more information on Heath High Level station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Heath Low Level station please click here (opens new tab).
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Useful Links
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- University Hospital of Wales Transport Information.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Support for Disabled Students please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 029 2251 8888.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Student Support please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 029 2251 8888.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Library Services please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 029 2087 4818.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 029 2087 4849.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on IT Services please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 029 2251 1111.
- Email: [email protected].
Building Parking (University Hospital of Wales)
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Vinci Multistorey Car Park.
- The car park is located on Heath Park Way.
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Front Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Canolfan Iechyd Galweigaethol a Chymorth Myfyrwyr / Student Occupational Health and Support Centre'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not 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.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 90cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The exit push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
- 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 2cm or below.
- The automatic doors were not working at the time of the survey (November 2025).
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building .
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Cardigan House - Ty Aberteifi'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 69cm.
Entrance (Floor 2 - Main Reception)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on floor 2, to the right and then right again as you exit the lift.
- This entrance gives access to the Student Occupational Health and Support Centre reception.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Reception - Derbynfa'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm.
- There is a key code reader on the first set of doors at a height of 156cm, but it is not in use.
Reception (Floor 2 - Main Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right from the floor 2 reception entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (10.16cm) from the reception entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is not a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/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 moderate to good.
- The height of the reception counter is 73cm.
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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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.
- There is bench seating and single seats without armrests.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There is a water dispenser available.
- There is a separate waiting room along the main corridor from reception on floor 2, as shown in photographs.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The entirety of the Student Occupational Health and Support Centre is designated as a Safe Place.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
- Within this building there are 3 Counselling Rooms, 7 Occupational Health Advisor Rooms and a Nurse Room as shown in some of the photographs. .
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located to the right from the front entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 6m from the front entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G, 1 and 2.
- 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 not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The depth of the steps is 28cm.
- The steps are not 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 not 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 moderate to good.
Lift
- The lift is located ahead and to the left from the front entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 8m (26ft) from the front 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 G, 1 and 2.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
- There is a manual, single, heavy door to access the lift lobby on floor 2.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 140cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 7in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 1 - 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 to the right, to the right again, and then to the left opposite the stairs as you exit the lift on floor 1.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (55ft) from the 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The visual 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 150cm x 190cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 2in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 100cm 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm .
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 152cm 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet seat visual 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 5in).
- The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
- 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 83cm .
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 96cm (3ft 1in).
- The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 114cm (3ft 8in) .
- The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 2 - 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 to the right from the lift, at the end of the corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (36ft) from the 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The visual 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 152cm x 184cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 0in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 99cm 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm .
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 136cm and 173cm 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 115cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet seat visual 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
- The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
- 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 82cm .
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 96cm (3ft 1in).
- The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 2in) .
- The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Floor 1 - Male)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The male toilet is located on floor 1, to the right from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 17m from the lift.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 93cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Floor 2 - Female)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located on floor 2, to the right from the lift, at the end of the corridor on the left.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the lift.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 94cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
