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IRCA

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.

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.

Hospital Parking (Elmstead Day Unit Accessible Parking)

  • 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 outside the main entrance for the Elmstead Day Unit.
    • 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) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 350cm x 500cm (11ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • There is 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 directly in front of the Elmstead Day Unit entrance. As of June 2023, due to building works, the drop-off point is not available for use.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
  • 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 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Elmstead Day Unit entrance.
  • Comments View
    • 1 of the Blue Badge Bays is currently blocked by a mobile unit.
    • The Blue Badge Bays are currently out of use while building works are being carried out on a new facility next to the Elmstead Day Unit.

Getting To (IRCA)

  • IRCA is/are located on the first floor of the main hospital block.
  • Access to IRCA is via the Main Hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Hospital entrance and follow the corridor ahead to the lifts.
    Take the lift to the first floor.
    On exiting the lift, turn right and walk down the corridor through 3 sets of double doors.
    Turn left and follow the corridor all the way down, going through three sets of double doors.
    IRCA will be located to your right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to IRCA.
  • IRCA is approximately 62m from the main hospital block lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the main hospital entrance and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is 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.

Opening Times (IRCA)

  • Monday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building facing the main visitor car park.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 172cm.
    • 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 double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The slight slope on the pavement leading to the entrance cambers from the centre.
    • There are face mask dispensers located on the left next to the hand sanitisers, in between the 2 entrance doors set at 127cm from the floor.
    • There are 2 pedal bins available next to the face mask dispensers for patients and visitors to dispose of used masks when they leave the hospital.
    • Please note the pavement leading from the car parks to the main hospital entrance is very slippery when wet.

Entrance (Unit Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the main block.
    • 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 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 155cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
  • Comments View
    • The push pads operate the first set of entrance doors.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the unit 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 high (110cm+).
    • 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 not staffed.
    • There is a bell to attract attention.
    • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • 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.
    • Subtitles are not available.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is not 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.

Department / Service (IRCA)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • IRCA is located on the first floor of the main hospital building.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, a sub waiting area and treatment rooms.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Waiting Room / Area (Seated Recovery)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 3m from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 63cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 63cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Recovery Pod)

  • There is / are 8 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 7.
  • 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) by sliding.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 240cm (7ft 10in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No 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.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after the second set of unit entrance doors.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m from the unit entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is fair.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 230cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 89cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 fixed horizontal rail without a padded backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 94cm.
    • 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the right as you enter the unit entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the unit entrance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Changing Places facilities are located on the ground floor of the Gainsborough Building.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the main hospital building, near the main hospital entrance.
    There are 2 left hand transfer toilets and 2 right hand transfer toilets here in a block of 4.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, in the main corridor and on the first floor in the main corridor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor in main corridor to the right after you enter via the main hospital entrance.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located next to Costa Coffee.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor in the main corridor to the right after you enter via the main hospital entrance.

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