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Triage

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 (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 (Constable Wing - Radiotherapy Centre 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 at the rear of the hospital site.
    • 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 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 435cm x 621cm.
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 just outside the Radiotherapy entrance.
    • 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.
  • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Radiotherapy entrance.

Getting To (Triage)

  • Triage is/are located on the ground floor of the Constable Wing.
  • Access to Triage is via the Constable Wing entrance.
  • Enter via the Constable Wing entrance. Head down the corridor passing through two sets of double doors. The Neonatal & Delivery Suites entrance will be located on your right. Enter through these doors and to Triage entrance will be located on your left.
  • There is step free access to Triage.
  • Triage is approximately 54m from the Constable Wing entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Constable Wing entrance 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.

Opening Times (Triage)

  • This ward is open 24 hours.

Entrance (Triage Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 134cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 134cm .
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Reception (Neonatal & Delivery Suites)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located off the main corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Neonatal & Delivery Suites 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • 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 not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
  • 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.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is 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 medium.

Inside Access (Triage)

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Triage.
  • 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 with an open extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 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 can be brought in from another department.
  • There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • Triage 2 was occupied at the time of the survey (September 2018).

Toilet with Adaptations (Triage)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you pass reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Neonatal & Delivery Suite entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex toilet.
    • This is a female accessible toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 250cm (4ft 5in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 167cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 82cm (2ft 8in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • The nearest standard toilet is located in the Constable Wing entrance foyer.

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