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Special Care Baby Unit

West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 6AF

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Special Care Baby Unit)

  • The most accessible route from Car Park 1 has a dropped kerb with tactile paving, a pedestrian crossing and a very easy slope.
  • Access to the Special Care Baby Unit is via the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • The Special Care Baby Unit is located on the first floor of the Queen Mary Maternity Unit.
  • The Special Care Baby Unit is approximately 40m from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit lift.
  • Enter via the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance and turn right past the reception desk.
  • Turn left, and the lift is ahead on the left.
  • Take the lift to the first floor.
  • On exiting the lift, head right, through the Postnatal Suite and Special Care Baby Unit entrance.
  • Turn right and follow the corridor to the end.
  • The entrance to the Special Care Baby Unit is on the right.
  • Internally the most accessible route has doors permanently held open, step-free level access and a lift.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; standard toilets.
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (Car Park 1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the left and rear of the Queen Mary Women's Health Unit.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 220cm (width) x 410cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 124cm.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • The Blue Badge bays are 20m from the Queen Mary Women's Health Unit entrance.
    • There is a very easy slope and no dropped kerb on this route.
    • The Blue Badge bays are 90m from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance.
    • There are slight slopes and dropped kerbs with tactile paving on this route.
    • There are two concessionary parking spaces towards the front of the car park, which are reserved for parents visiting the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
    • The concessionary spaces are 30m from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and visitors only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • At the time of survey (July 2025), the payment machines were out of use.
    • Payments are made at the Equans Office (building 30), behind the Queen Mary Women's Health Unit.

Drop-off Point (Queen Mary Maternity Unit)

  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located in front of the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance .
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Entrance (Queen Mary Maternity Unit)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the Queen Mary Women's Health Unit.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a buzzer at a height of 154cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 138cm.
  • The buzzer is by the second set of doors.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 129cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 140cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.

Reception (Queen Mary Maternity Unit)

  • The reception is located ahead from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance.
  • The distance from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance is 2m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 116cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift (Queen Mary Maternity Unit)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the corridor to the right of the Queen Mary Maternity Unit reception.
  • The distance from the Queen Mary Maternity Unit entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
  • The ground and first floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 198cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 215cm (width) x 129cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, an audible announcer and a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Postnatal Suite and Special Care Baby Unit Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the first floor of the Queen Mary Maternity Unit.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 144cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 124cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.

Ward (Special Care Baby Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There are 2 bays available.
    • There are 5 side rooms available.
    • There are 20 beds in total on the ward.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There is a buzzer at a height of 142cm.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm.
    • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
    • The door has a locked extension leaf.
    • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
    • The door opens towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 87cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 135cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 114cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 72cm.
    • The desk has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and sofas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a standard toilet and washrooms.
    • The nearest toilet with adaptations for visitors is located on the ground floor of the Queen Mary Maternity Unit, to the left of the main reception.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Special Care Baby Unit - Visitor Facilities)

Lounge (Parents' Lounge)

  • The lounge is located along the main ward corridor, on the right.
  • There is step-free level access into the lounge.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the lounge includes: sofas, chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the lounge includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is a TV with subtitles.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is a kitchenette in the Parents' Lounge.
  • The height of the counter is 91cm.
  • A section of the counter has a knee recess.
  • The sink is 91cm high, with a lever mixer tap.
  • There is a microwave, fridge-freezer, water dispenser, and cupboards at high and low levels.

Consultation / Medical Room (Expressing Room)

  • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • The room surveyed was; Expressing Room.
  • The room is located along the main department corridor, on the right.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 134cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests and height adjustable chairs.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Standard Bedroom and Ensuite (Parent-Baby Room 5)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located along the main department corridor, on the right.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a single bed.
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: bedside plug sockets, a chair with armrests, a medication fridge and a height adjustable bed.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 92cm (width) x 217cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wall mounted soap dispenser, a wall mounted towel dispenser and a wash basin available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • Additional features include: a mirror, a coat hook and an emergency alarm.
    • The ensuite has a pedal bin and a sanitary bin.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a shower cubicle.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.

Standard Toilet Facilities (Visitors WC)

  • The shared standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
  • The toilet is located to the left from the Special Baby Care Unit entrance.
  • The distance from Special Baby Care Unit entrance is 3m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the toilet.
  • There is written text, pictorial and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser, a baby changing table, a wash basin and a wall mounted towel dispenser available.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 95cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.