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Copford Ward

Colchester General Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JL

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Colchester Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • The hospital is located on Turner Road to the north of Colchester. The post code for sat nav users is CO4 5JL.

      The hospital can be easily reached from both the North and West of Colchester, via the A12 and is well signed. There are several routes in from the A12 which will take you to the hospital site. From the East use the A120 and the South the A133, both again are well signed for the hospital. The main route in uses the A134 which takes you almost directly to the hospital site.

    • There is one large main car park on site accessed off Turner Road along with several smaller sites adjacent to the Gainsborough Building.

      Blue Badge bays are available in the main car park and are also spread around the site close to most of the building entrances.

      The main visitor’s car park operates an ANPR system. The barriers will open automatically to allow you in. If you are a Blue Badge holder, you have to report to the main reception just inside the main hospital block entrance and present your badge, where they will then log you in to the system so you do not have to pay. The barriers will automatically open when you exit.
      If you are not a Blue Badge holder, before returning to your car you must pay at one of the payment machines located either in the car park or at the main hospital entrance. The barriers will then automatically open as you leave the car park.
      The smaller accessible car parks located around the hospital site are free to Blue Badge holders. All badges must be displayed in the car window. You will not need to go through the barrier system for these car parks, so you will not have to report to the main hospital reception.
      There are three pay on exit machines. One is located under the canopy just outside the main hospital entrance, one is just inside the main hospital entrance and the other is in front of the visitor car park, across the footbridge and to the left-hand side as you walk out of the hospital.

  • By Bus View
    • There are several bus services which run to the hospital and use the on-site bus stops.
      Stop 1 services are the 8, S1, S2 and 68. Stop 2 services are the 68, 84 and 84B.

      There is also a bus stop on Turner Road opposite the main hospital car park. The services that stop here are 8, S1, S2, 68, 80, 81, 81A, 84 and 84A.
      All buses from City Centre to Hospital stop at the bus stop on Turner Road. All buses from the Hospital go from the onsite bus stops which are a short walk from main hospital building.

    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite bus stop is located to the left of the main hospital entrance.
    • There are 2 onsite bus shelters on the south entrance road. There is fixed seating in the bus shelters.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Colchester, approximately 1.9km from the hospital site.

      It is approximately a 25 minute walk.

      There are several bus services which run from the train station to the hospital from Stand A. These include the 8, S1 and S2.

      There are several taxi services which run from the train station.

  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Colchester General Hospital)

  • 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 first floor of the Main Hospital Block, with the PALS Meeting Room to the left of the Main Hospital Reception Desk on the ground floor of the Main Hospital Block.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0800 7837 3828.
  • 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.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD 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 available on request.
  • 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 a member of staff.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on the ground floor of the Gainsborough Wing.
  • To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.
  • Ongoing building works (2024)
    As of 2024 there are ongoing building works across the hospital which may affect access points and routes to hospital areas.
    .

Hospital Parking (Gainsborough Wing Accessible Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located just across the road from the Gainsborough Wing.
    • 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 378cm x 617cm.
    • 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.
    • 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 not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the Gainsborough Wing entrance.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the main hospital block.
    • 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 can 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 322cm x 511cm (10ft 7in x 16ft 9in).
    • 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.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located outside the Urgent Treatment Centre entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the 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 payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 30 minutes only.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • There is not 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This car park operates an ANPR system. The barriers will open automatically to allow you in. If you are a Blue Badge holder, you have to report to the main reception just inside the main hospital block entrance and present your badge, where they will then log you in to the system so you do not have to pay. The barriers will automatically open when you exit.
    • If you are not a Blue Badge holder, before returning to your car you must pay at one of the payment machines located in the car park, the barriers will then automatically open as you leave the car park.
    • ?The height of the controls for the payment machines are between 60cm and 143cm.

Getting To (Copford and Great Tey Ward)

  • The Copford Ward and Great Tey Ward is/are located on the second floor of the Constable Wing.
  • Access to the Copford Ward and Great Tey Ward is via the Constable Wing entrance.
  • Enter via the Constable Wing entrance and follow the signage to the lifts. Take the lift to the second floor. Once you exit the lift, head through the double doors and the Copford Ward and Great Tey Ward will be in front of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Copford Ward and Great Tey Ward.
  • The Copford Ward and Great Tey Ward is approximately 11m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is 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.
  • 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 (Constable Wing Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • 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 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 149cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 146cm .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 131cm (4ft 4in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single 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.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 191cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Other Floors (Constable Wing Entrance)

  • 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 enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by 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 going of the step(s) is/are 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do 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 varied.

Lift (Constable Wing Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located off the main Constable Wing corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the Constable Wing 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 and 2.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 125cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 280cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Opening Times (Copford Ward)

  • Monday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Friday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Saturday 07:00 - 21:30.
  • Sunday 07:00 - 21:30.

Entrance (Copford ward & Great Tey Ward Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the second floor of the Constable Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 159cm.

Ward (Cosford Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an day ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • 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) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is 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 bright.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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 not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the Constable Wing.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the ward's main corridor.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 07.00 to 21.30.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
  • Comments View
    • All of the side rooms were occupied at the time of the survey (September 2018).

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located at the far end of the main corridor.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial and 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 240cm x 182cm (7ft 10in x 5ft 12in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 158cm 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 89cm.
    • 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 129cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 129cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • 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 113cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The female and male wash facilities are of the same layout and are located at each end of the ward.

Washroom (Bathroom)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 3 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located off the ward corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 15m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 241cm x 167cm (7ft 11in x 5ft 6in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 158cm 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 87cm.
    • 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 125cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 110cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors Toilets)

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