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Medical Investigations Unit

St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1AA

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • St Helier Hospital is located on Wrythe Lane to the north of Sutton. The postcode to use for the Sat-Nav is SM5 1AA. From the west, St Helier Hospital can be accessed via the A217 and the A297. From the east, St Helier Hospital can be accessed via West Street from the A232.
    • The car park for visitors and patients is located on the right side of the hospital. Charges apply for Blue Badge holders in this car park. Free additional parking bays for Blue Badge holders are located at the front of the hospital with a drop off point.
  • By Bus View
    • A number of bus routes serve St Helier Hospital: 151: Wallington - Sutton - Worcester Park (every 10 minutes peak) 157: Morden - Croydon - Crystal Palace (every 12 minutes peak) S1: Mitcham - Sutton - Banstead via Wrythe Lane (every 20 minutes peak) S4: Roundshaw - Wallington - Sutton - St Helier (every 30 minutes peak) 154: Morden - Sutton - West Croydon (every 12 minutes peak) 164: Sutton - Morden – Wimbledon (every 10 minutes peak) 280: Belmont - Mitcham – Wimbledon (every 10 minutes peak) Bus numbers 151, 157, S1 and S4 stop directly outside the hospital. All other buses stop at the Rosehill roundabout, a ten minute walk from the hospital. To travel by bus from Epsom Hospital to St Helier Hospital, you can take the 293 from Epsom Hospital to Morden. From Morden, you can take the 157 to St Helier Hospital. From Morden you can take the 293 to Epsom Hospital. Alternatively, you can take 470 from Epsom town centre to Sutton station and then take the 80 or 280 to Rosehill roundabout.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite bus stop is located on the left side of the hospital. The H1 bus service connects St Helier and Epsom hospitals. For the standard fare of £1.50 (cash or contactless card, not oyster), patients and visitors to the hospitals can now hop on the H1 bus, which stops at Epsom Hospital, the Rainbow Leisure Centre on East Street, Sutton Hospital and St Helier Hospital. The service also offers concessions with children being allowed on for half price (75p) and concessionary pass holders allowed to board for free after 9.30am.
    • The bus stop is sheltered but there is no seating. There is space for a wheelchair user.
  • By Train View
    • The closest train station is St Helier which is approximately 1 mile from the hospital.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Morden station on the Northern line (fare zone 4). The 157 bus route connects St Helier Hospital with Morden station and has a day time frequency of one bus every 12 minutes. The journey itself takes 10-12 minutes. There is a black cab rank outside the tube station, and the taxi journey takes about five minutes.
  • Useful Links View

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 along the main corridor on the ground floor of Block B.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01372 735 243.
  • 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 at the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • 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 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, mobile hoists and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact Occupational Therapy.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located to the right side of the hospital.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 270cm (8ft 10in).
    • 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) is/are clearly marked.
    • 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 375cm x 480cm (12ft 4in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is not 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 at the front of the hospital.
    • 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 3 hours only.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is 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 slopes/ramps.
    • 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 55m (60yd 5in) from the Block A Main Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional Blue Badge bays located at the front of the hospital as shown in photograph 10.
    • There are half hour pick up bays and a drop off point located at the front of the hospital as shown in photographs 11 and 12.
    • There is a wheelchair shelter next to the payment machine located at the front of the car park shown in photograph 13.
    • There are two electric charging points located at the front of the hospital, shown in photograph 14.

Getting To (Medical Investigations Unit)

  • Medical Investigations Unit is/are located on the first floor of Block B.
  • Access to Medical Investigations Unit is via the Block A Main Entrance.
  • Enter via Block A Main Entrance and follow the corridor past two sets of double doors until you reach the lift lobby in Block B. Take the lift up to the first floor. Exit the lift and the entrance to Ward B1 (Whitfield Unit) is located on the left. Enter the unit and then take the first corridor located on the left, continue ahead to the end of the corridor and the Medical Investigations Unit is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Medical Investigations Unit.
  • Medical Investigations Unit is approximately 45m from the Lift B.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Block A Main Entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is 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 (Block A Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the right side 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • 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 117cm.

Lift (Block B)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead from the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Main Hospital 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, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the ground floor, on the first floor and on the second floor.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 79cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 204cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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.
  • Comments View
    • The bigger lift on the left was out of service at the time of the survey.

Other Floors (Block B)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are 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 and on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • 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 not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • 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
    • There is another set of stairs in Block B located to the left of the main reception as shown in photographs 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Opening Times

  • Access is by appointment only.

Department / Service

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Medical Investigation Unit is located in the side corridor off the Whitfield Unit.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • 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 114cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 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 not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; consultation rooms, a waiting room/area, treatment rooms and a main reception.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
    • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of Block B.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in front of you as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) 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 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 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 not 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 obstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Medical Investigation Unit)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room.
  • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is a chair.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located within the Infusion Suite.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the left of the corridor before the entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Medical Investigations Unit entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual 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 high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • 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 sink.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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