Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital (Colchester Hospital)
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By Road
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- 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.
- The hospital is located on Turner Road to the north of Colchester. The post code for sat nav users is CO4 5JL.
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By Bus
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- 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.
- There are several bus services which run to the hospital and use the on-site bus stops.
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By Train
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- 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.
- The nearest train station is Colchester, approximately 1.9km from the hospital site.
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Useful Links
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- Google map of Hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Traveline Website to plan your journey.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Route by foot from Colchester Train Station to the hospital.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Greater Anglia Journey Planner.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
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.
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Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Car Park)
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Parking
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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.
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Paying
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- 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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.
- 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.
Outside Access (The Wellbeing Centre - Cancer Centre)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step free 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 bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 125cm (4ft 1in).
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 138cm (4ft 6in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Comments
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- Please note the paths leading to the centre are uneven and wheelchair users may require assistance.
Opening Times (The Wellbeing Centre - Cancer Centre)
- Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Department / Service (The Wellbeing Centre - Cancer Centre)
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Department / Service Access
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- The Wellbeing Centre - Cancer Centre is located between the main visitor car park and the main hospital entrance, next to the small lake.
- There is level access throughout the department/service.
- There is clear signage on the department/service.
- The type of flooring is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The department/service does play background music.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; standard toilet facilities, a main reception, consultation rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, a waiting room/area and ambulant toilet facilities for everyone.
- There are 4 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is available.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 26/08/2020.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- 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.
Reception (The Wellbeing Centre - Cancer Centre)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on the left as you enter the centre.
- The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the centre 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 moderate to good.
- The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 26/08/2020.
- The hearing assistance system was 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- 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 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 moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There are large windows in the waiting area which can cast shadows on the floor.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Oak.
- 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some 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 moderate to good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Maple.
- 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is 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 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 moderate to good.
Day Room / Lounge Area (The Tinson Room)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The room does have background music playing.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is not a television.
- 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 moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is a work surface for visitors to make drinks set at a height of 92cm.
- There is a sink on the work surface set at a height of 92cm.
- There are large windows in the waiting area which can cast shadows on the floor.
- The Tinson Room is separated by a full width divider from the reception waiting area which can be fully opened.
- There is an additional entrance door in the dividing wall which is 78cm wide and is 9m from the centre entrance.
Day Room / Lounge Area (The Garden Room)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- 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 double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 159cm (5ft 3in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 40cm (1ft 4in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- The room does 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 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 moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is a door to the Tinson Room which is 162cm wide.
- There are large windows in the area which can cast shadows on the floor.
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 in the consultation corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m from the centre 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 194cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are moderate to 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 80cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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 high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- 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 a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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 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).
- 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 high.
- 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 87cm.
- 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located in the consultation corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m from the centre entrance.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
- 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 right of the basin.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Main Hospital Block link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.