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Surgical Assessment Care Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Surgical Assessment Care Unit)

  • The Surgical Assessment Care Unit is/are located on the first floor of Block C.
  • Access to the Surgical Assessment Care Unit is via the Block A main entrance.
  • Enter via Block A main entrance, follow the corridor past three sets of double doors until you reach the lift lobby in Block C.
    Take the lift up to the first floor.
    Exit the lift, turn right and follow the corridor.
    The entrance to the Surgical Assessment Care Unit is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Surgical Assessment Care Unit.
  • The Surgical Assessment Care Unit is approximately 7m from the Lift C.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Block A main entrance and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • 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.

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.

Entrance (Block A - Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located to the side of Block A, opposite Block F - Ferguson House.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 129cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 117cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There are bollards at the entrance.
  • The maximum width between them is 110cm.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the main block of the hospital.

Lift (Block C Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and on the right beyond the vending area as you enter the hospital through the Block C entrance.
  • The distance from the Block C entrance is 18m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • The ground floor, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor, fifth floor and sixth floor can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1725kg.
    • 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 109cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 144cm (width) x 218cm (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 and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Opening Times

  • Access is by appointment only.

Department / Service (Surgical Assessment Care Unit)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Surgical Assessment Care Unit is located on the first floor of Block C.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 149cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is 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 moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, treatment rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 3 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • 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

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead on entering the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Surgical Assessment Care 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.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats 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.
    • 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Rooms)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room B.
  • 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 a locked 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 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.
  • 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Bays)

  • There is / are 8 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Bay 1.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the room / area.
  • 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.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook.
  • 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 height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left on entering the department.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m from the Surgical Assessment Care Unit 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, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 300cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 77cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a 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 left.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 73cm (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 low.
    • 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 110cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • The light was not working at the time of the survey.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left on entering the department.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Surgical Assessment Care 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 medium.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • The lights were not working at the time of the survey.

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