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

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is located in central London within the congestion zone. The hospital encourage, where possible, that visitors travel by walking or taking public transport to minimise air pollution and help the patients to breathe better.
  • There is no onsite parking at the hospital site with very limited on-street parking in the surrounding roads. Visitors who use the permit system to park here may not be able to find a parking space. The hospital encourages people to use public transport but if this is not possible they advise using local car parks.
• By Bus View
  • Several bus routes are a short walk from GOSH, and low-floor, wheelchair accessible buses run on all routes.
• By Train View
  • Kings Cross, Euston and Farringdon Station are all approximately 1 mile from Great Ormond Street. The hospital website gives information on options for getting to the hospital from various surrounding stations. The link can be found below.
• By Underground View
  • The nearest tube station is Russell Square which is approximately 0.3 miles away. Russell Square is on the Piccadilly line.
• Useful Links View
  • The GoSH webpage for information on travelling to the hospital.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The Transport for London website.
  • 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 main reception area.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7829 7862.
• 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 do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Volunteers can be found in the main reception area and at key corridor intersections.
• Hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, 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.
• 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 staff and volunteers in the main reception area.

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

• There is no car park or official drop-off point at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The trust advise that parking in nearby streets is both scarce and expensive. Drivers will need to pay the congestion charge to enter central London. The hospital encourage patients to travel to the hospital by public transport or by walking where possible in order to maintain a Clear Air Zone for patients.
• Blue Badge holders can park in resident parking bays, pay and display spaces or at parking meters free of charge and without a time limit. They can also park on single yellow lines for a maximum of three hours (this only applies in the immediate area of the hospital).
• There are some on street Blue Badge parking bays in Queen Square which are approximately 200 metres from the main entrance.
• The dimensions of these bays are 200cm x 630cm.
• For some parents travelling by car, the hospital may be able to provide a parking permit for a few hours for the day of their child’s appointment, admission or discharge. Parents of children in intensive care are eligible for a parking permit for up to three days in succession. The permit allows you to park on a single yellow line on Guilford Street only. Spaces are limited, are offered on a first come first served basis, and we cannot guarantee a space through issuing a permit. Parking elsewhere will make the permit invalid and put you at risk of getting a parking ticket.

You are on Getting To (Flamingo Ward). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Flamingo Ward)

• Flamingo Ward is/are located on Level 4 of the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building.
• Access to Flamingo Ward is via the main hospital entrance.
• Enter the hospital via the main entrance. Proceed past the main reception and turn right into the main corridor. Continue along the corridor to the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building. Enter the lift lobby through the automatic doors and take the lifts to Level 4. On exiting the Flamingo Ward is located just off the lift lobby through a further set of automatic doors.
• There is step free access to Flamingo Ward.
• Flamingo Ward is approximately 5m from the Morgan Stanley Building lifts.
• 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.

You are on Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located in Great Ormond Street.
  • 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.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 240cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • 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 244cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Comments View
  • There are bollards at the start of the walkway that lead up to the entrance from Great Ormond Street.
  • The bollards do not have a good colour contrast with the paving.

You are on Other Floors (Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building)

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• 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 all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
  • 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 easy to grip.
  • Handrails do 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 not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • These stairs are in a staff area but can be used by public if necessary whilst building work is being carried out.

You are on Lift (Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building - Lifts 1 and 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building - Lifts 1 and 2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located off the main Level 2 corridor.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 110m (120yd 11in) from the 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 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• 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 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 poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 148cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 270cm.
• 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 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 Waiting Room / Area (Family). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Family)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the ward entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• Chairs with armrests are not available.
• All 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 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 Waiting Room / Area (Parent Sitting Room and Beverage Bay). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Parent Sitting Room and Beverage Bay)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 18m from the ward 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.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No 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 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 space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
• Lighting levels are medium.

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• Comments View
  • This room has a kitchen area.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Interview Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Interview Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Interview 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) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• 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 not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an intensive care ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 21 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 not 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 no 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.
  • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• Reception/Nurses' Station View
  • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 74cm.
  • There is not 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 not a/are not chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
  • The ward does not play background music.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
• Visitor Facilities View
  • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the family area outside of the ward.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located at the Lagoon Restaurant.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Patients). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Patients)

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

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• 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 opposite Beds 13 to 16.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • The tap type is sensor.
  • There is not 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 and general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Family). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Family)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is Braille and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located in the family area outside of the ward.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 220cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • The tap type is sensor.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • 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 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 a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
• 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in a separate room next to the accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children link (new tab) - click here.