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St Helier Hospital - Ferguson House

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

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Access Guide

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Getting Around (Ferguson House)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the Pharmacy and Block A.
    • The width of the ramp or slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The ramp levels out midway to provide a landing area.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Springall Annexe.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • These steps are shown in pictures 10,11 and 12. The Springall Annexe can be accessed via the Springall Unit or via the Ferguson House Rear Entrance to avoid these steps.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
    • Seating is provided in some corridors.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage includes some pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Parking (Main Visitor Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the north of the hospital site, off Wrythe Lane, next to Block F - Ferguson House.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 270cm.
    • There are 20 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 466cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 131cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 39m from the Block F - Ferguson House - main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • This route has narrow walkways and bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is 1 electric vehicle charging point.
    • The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay are 250cm (width) x 485cm (depth).
    • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • An online account is required to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made with a membership/loyalty card (contactless).
    • The EV charging point is operated by BP Pulse.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Block L - Davis Unit and MRI and Block F - Ferguson House - Rear Entrance - Blue Badge Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of Block F - Ferguson House, and in front of Block L (Davis Unit) and Block L (MRI).
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 255cm (width) x 549cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 18m from the Block F - Ferguson House - rear entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight slope.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Block F - Ferguson House - Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of Ferguson House, facing Wrythe Lane, leading in from the main visitor car park.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • There are level resting areas along the ramp.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • There are 19 steps.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 108cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 116cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of Block F - Ferguson House.

Entrance (Block F - Ferguson House - Rear Entrance)

  • This entrance is located to the rear of Block F - Ferguson House.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope or ramp at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors, which are push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 122cm.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 116cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 147cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 105cm.
  • There are several approaches to the entrance:
  • The approach from Block J and the Blue Badge bays has a very easy ramp with a handrail on the right going up only.
  • The approach from Block L (MRI) has a slight ramp with a handrail on the right going up .
  • The approach from Block L (Davis Unit) is step-free via a very easy slope.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of Block F - Ferguson House.

Amenities (Ferguson House)

  • Shops and Services View
    • The shops/services available include; a pharmacy, a convenience store and a coffee shop.
    • There is also a Restaurant for visitors and staff on the first floor.
  • ATM Machines View
    • There is not an/are not ATM machine(s) available.
  • Pay Phones and Charging Points View
    • Pay phones are not available.
    • Phone charging points are not available.
  • Public WiFi View
    • Free public WiFi is available at the hospital.
    • There is free public WiFi within the building. The WiFi is NHS WiFi.
  • TV Pre-Payment Machines View
    • There are no TV pre-pay machines for patients.
  • Additional Information View
    • There is a payment machine for the car park located in the main corridor, on the ground floor of Ferguson House. There is a free phone for taxis on the ground floor corridor near Ferguson House Main Entrance.

Lift (Ferguson House)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the main corridor, either side of the stairwell.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the Ferguson House Main 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 B,G,1,2,3,4,5.
  • 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 80cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 104cm x 87cm.
  • 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 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.
  • Comments View
    • Patient services are only located on the ground and first floor.

Lift (Block F - Ferguson House Alternative Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the centre of Block F - Ferguson House, off the main corridor.
  • The distance from the Block F - Ferguson House main entrance is 52m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has narrow walkways.
  • Standard Lift View
    • The basement, ground floor, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor and fifth floor can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 210cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer, an intercom hearing assistance system and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Block F - Ferguson House Stairs)

  • The stairs are located in the centre of Block F - Ferguson House, off the main corridor.
  • The basement, ground floor, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor and fifth floor can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Only the first floor and second floor have public access.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the main corridor, on the ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the Ferguson House Main 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 260cm.
    • 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 90cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual 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 high.
    • 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 169cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 twist/turn.
    • 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 106cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the stairs on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • 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 91cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 166cm x 260cm.
    • The accessible toilet does 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual 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 the right.
    • There is not 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 general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 113cm.
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Ferguson House)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the main corridor on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 50m from the Ferguson House Main 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 low.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the main corridor on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 52m from the Ferguson House Main 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 low.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor - Ferguson House)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the first floor, to the left of the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the lift.
    • 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 low.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the first floor, to the left of the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m from the lift.
    • 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 low.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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