You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

Collapse all Expand all

• By Road View
  • Ipswich Hospital is located to the east of Ipswich town centre. It is within easy access of the A12 and A14. Access to the hospital is from Heath Road (A1198).
  • There are many onsite car parks at the front of the site and parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
• By Bus View
  • There are regular buses that serve the hospital. There are bus stops in both directions on Heath Road, within 150m of the hospital site.
• By Train View
  • The nearest train station to the hospital is Derby Road which is approximately 2.4 km away.
• Useful Links View
  • National Rail Enquiries.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Travelling in Suffolk and East Anglia.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in the South Zone.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01473 704 781.
• The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Volunteers can be found throughout the hospital.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request and different languages on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on the ground floor of the Central Zone.
• To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.

You are on Other Floors (All First Floor Wards and Endoscopy). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (All First Floor Wards and Endoscopy)

Collapse all Expand all

• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • 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 not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • The lower handrail is on the right hand side going up only.

You are on Lift (2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located off the main corridor, in Area A.
• The lift is approximately 90m (98yd 1ft) from the South Zone 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.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 128cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 274cm.
• 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 not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is good.

You are on Entrance (Saxmundham Fragility Fracture Unit and Shotley Stroke Unit Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Saxmundham Fragility Fracture Unit and Shotley Stroke Unit Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor in the South Zone of the hospital.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 190cm.

You are on Reception (Shotley Stroke Unit Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Shotley Stroke Unit Reception)

Collapse all Expand all

• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left on entering the Shotley Stroke Unit.
  • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Shotley Stroke 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.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk with the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Patient and Visitor Lounge and Stroke Resource Room). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Patient and Visitor Lounge and Stroke Resource Room)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Saxmundham Fragility Fracture Unit and Shotley Stroke Unit Entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a 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 medium.

You are on Opening Times (Visiting Hours). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

• Monday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Tuesday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Wednesday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Thursday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Friday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Saturday 11:00 - 20:00.
• Sunday 11:00 - 20:00.

You are on Ward (Shotley Stroke Unit). Skip to the next section.

Ward (Shotley Stroke Unit)

Collapse all Expand all

• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an stroke ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 25 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.
  • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
  • The hand sanitiser is in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Reception/Nurses' Station View
  • The height of the ward reception desk is 119cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
  • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
• Relatives' Room View
  • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
  • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
  • There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
  • The ward does not play background music.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • A mobile hoist is 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 first floor corridor of the South Zone.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the first floor corridor of the South Zone.
• Visiting Times View
  • There are set visiting times for the ward.
  • Visiting times are 11.00 to 20.00.
  • The visiting times are the same for each day.

You are on Washroom (Wheel in Shower Room). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Wheel in Shower Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
  • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
  • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 180cm x 167cm (5ft 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) 154cm 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 84cm.
  • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
  • 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 124cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 146cm.
  • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • The cistern is close coupled and 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 98cm.
  • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Shower Details View
  • There is not 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.
  • The shower cubicle is accessed via a deep step.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Comments View
  • There is a dropdown rail on the right as you face the toilet.

You are on Washroom (Wheel in Shower). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Wheel in Shower)

Collapse all Expand all

• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
  • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
  • 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 180cm x 237cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 9in).
  • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 153cm 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 85cm.
  • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • 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 150cm.
  • 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • The cistern is close coupled and 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 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 92cm.
  • 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 lever.
  • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
  • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Comments View
  • There is a dropdown rail on the left as you face the toilet.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

Collapse all Expand all

• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located throughout the ward.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Central Zone link (new tab) - click here.
• Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.
• South Wards Entrance link (new tab) - click here.
• South Zone link (new tab) - click here.
• Saxmundham Fragility Fracture Unit link (new tab) - click here.