Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital)
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By Road
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- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital is situated to the south of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The hospital is located along Fulham Road. The postcode to use for the Sat-Nav is SW10 9NH.
- The hospital has an underground public car park which is accessed via Nightingale Place to the left hand side of the hospital which is located just off Fulham Road. There are 17 Blue Badge bays located within the car park. These are available free of charge to drivers who have a hospital appointment and are displaying a valid Blue Badge in their vehicle. The bays are located near to the car park lifts.
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By Bus
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- The nearest bus stops (Stop HA and HF) are located on either side of Fulham Road and are approximately 50 yards from the hospital. The 14, 211 and 414 services stop here.
- There is not an onsite bus stop.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station is West Brompton. The hospital is 0.8 miles (17 min walk) from the train station via Lillie Road, Finborough Road and Fulham Road.
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By Underground
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- The nearest underground station to the hospital is Fulham Broadway. The hospital is 0.7 miles (14 min walk) from the underground station via Fulham Road and is served by the District line.
Other stations nearby include Earl's Court (0.8 miles away) and South Kensington (1.2 miles away), both of which are served by the District and Piccadilly lines. South Kensington is also served by the Circle line.
- The nearest underground station to the hospital is Fulham Broadway. The hospital is 0.7 miles (14 min walk) from the underground station via Fulham Road and is served by the District line.
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Useful Links
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- For the location of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital please see the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For transport timetables and services please see the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the ground floor, behind the main reception desk.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 3315 6727.
- 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 can be found on the lower ground floor, in the office to the rear of the restaurant seating.
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request and different languages on request.
- There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the ground floor of the hospital, by the car park.
- 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, tri wheel walkers, walking frames, walking sticks, mobile hoists, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception, therapies, volunteers and the sight team.
- There is a Safe Place at this hospital which is located within the gardens on Level 3 and Level 5.
- There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on the ground floor, along the main corridor.
Public Parking (Blue Badge Bays Only)
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Netherton Grove.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 210cm x 530cm.
- There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
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Comments
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- There is no return permitted within 4 hours.
Getting To (The Research Clinic)
- The Research Clinic is/are located on Level 1.
- Access to the Research Clinic is via the main entrance.
- Enter the centre via the main entrance and turn left into the loft lobby. Take the lift up to Level 1. As you exit the lift, the entrance to the Research Clinic will be on your left hand side.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Research Clinic.
- The Research Clinic is approximately 1m from the lift.
- There are not resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is not 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.
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 building on Fulham Road.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 144cm (4ft 9in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 103cm (3ft 5in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 147cm.
- 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) 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 146cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.
- The width of the ramp is 105cm.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
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Comments
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- The second set of doors normally open automatically towards you but were held open at the time of the survey.
- The height of the button to enter is 106cm.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single 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, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 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 not 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 to the left from the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the 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, 3, 4 and 5.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
- 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 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 high.
- The clear door width is 130cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 154cm x 240cm.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is 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 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.
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Comments
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- There is a smaller lift next to the one surveyed (photographs 5 and 6).
Opening Times (Research Clinic)
- Access is by appointment only.
Entrance (Research Clinic)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on Level 1.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 130cm .
- 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
Reception (Research Clinic)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead from the Research Clinic entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Research Clinic 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
- 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 hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 27/05/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was not 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 not 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- 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 good.
Ward (Research Clinic)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Research ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 12 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 127cm (4ft 2in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 119cm (3ft 11in).
- 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.
- There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 27/05/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
- There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
- There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
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 along the ward corridor.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 12m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is male.
- There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 120cm x 144cm (3ft 11in x 4ft 9in).
- The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- 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) 172cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 84cm.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever. It is not 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 127cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 149cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The cistern is not close coupled and no padded back rest is provided.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 77cm.
- 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 not a wheel in shower.
- The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
- The shower cubicle is accessed via a deep step.
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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 visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- Photographs 8 and 9 show the female washroom.
Day Room / Lounge Area (Research Clinic)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is approximately 15m from the ward entrance.
- There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is always open.
- There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are sofas and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 33cm (1ft 1in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic Room)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinic 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not 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.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- All 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 good.
Room / Area (Multi-Function Room)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Multi-Function Room.
- The room / area is approximately 1m from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 75cm (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 no chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (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 along the corridor, opposite clinic Room 1.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m from the Research Clinic 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 written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 195cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 55cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are 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 75cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal 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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- 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).
- The height of the coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is not a mirror.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
- 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- 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 124cm.
- 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Comments
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- The accessible toilet is also used as the standard toilet.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- St. Stephen's Centre - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
