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Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre)

  • The most accessible route from the Elmstead and Dame Clare Marx Building accessible parking and drop-off point has step-free level access, a dropped kerb with tactile paving, bollards and a pedestrian crossing.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre is via the Dame Clare Marx Building entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • The Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre is located on the ground floor of the Dame Clare Marx Building.
  • The Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre is approximately 5m from the Dame Clare Marx Building entrance.
  • Enter via the Dame Clare Marx building entrance.
  • Reception is to the left, and the entrance to the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre is to the left of the reception desk.
  • Internally the most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are 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; a toilet with adaptations (with left hand transfer) and a toilet with adaptations (with right hand transfer).
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (Elmstead and Dame Clare Marx Building Accessible Parking and Drop-Off Point)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the left side of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 468cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 127cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m from Elmstead Entrance 1.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep ramps or slopes, uneven surfaces and a pedestrian crossing.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located on the left side of the hospital grounds.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Entrance (Dame Clare Marx Building Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the Dame Clare Marx Building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 113cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 148cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 156cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Dame Clare Marx Building.

Reception (Dame Clare Marx Building)

  • The reception is located to the left from the Dame Clare Marx Building entrance.
  • The distance from the Dame Clare Marx Building entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 124cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
  • The reception has a television and glazed screens.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • 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, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and bariatric chairs with armrests.

Department / Service (Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre is located on the ground floor of the Dame Clare Marx Building.
    • View information on opening times.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is a buzzer at a height of 146cm.
    • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 111cm.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 174cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 112cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • There are 7 consultation/medical rooms available.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • The hoist is mobile.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: toilets with adaptations.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in each bay.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.

Consultation / Medical Room (Consultation Room)

  • There are 2 consultation/medical rooms available.
  • The room surveyed was; Consultation Room 1.
  • The room is located on the left along the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre corridor.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 92cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The treatment table is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the treatment table is 180cm.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: desks.
  • Some furniture is fixed.
  • 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.

Consultation / Medical Room (Bay)

  • There are 4 consultation/medical rooms available.
  • The room surveyed was; Bay A.
  • The room is located to the right on entering the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: height adjustable tables.
  • 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.

Consultation / Medical Room (Recovery Room)

  • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • The room surveyed was; Recovery Room.
  • The room is located at the end of the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre corridor.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open outwards.
  • The width of the opening is 188cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: height adjustable tables.
  • 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.

Kitchen (Beverage Prep)

  • The kitchen is located ahead along the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre corridor, then to the left.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered work surface is not available.
  • Under counter cupboards are available.
  • The sink is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered sink is not available.
  • The sink has a lever tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge and a toaster.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Bay B - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in Bay B.
    • The distance from the Essex and Suffolk Elective Orthopaedic Centre entrance is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 180cm (width) x 210cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 43cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 79cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 89cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 140cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.