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. Construction works at the hospital from July 2015 to early 2018 will limit parking availability on the roads surrounding the hospital particularly Guilford Street. 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 (Butterfly Ward). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Butterfly Ward)

• Butterfly Ward is/are located on Level 4 of the Octav Botnar Wing.
• Access to Butterfly Ward is via the Octav Botnar Wing entrance.
• Enter the hospital via the Octav Botnar Wing entrance. Take the lift to Level 2 and on exiting turn right at the Octav Botnar reception desk into the main lift lobby. Take the lifts to Level 4 and on exiting turn left, the Butterfly Ward entrance is directly ahead.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Butterfly Ward.
• Butterfly Ward is approximately 4m from the Octav Botnar Wing lift.
• 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 (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located in Lamb's Conduit Street.
  • The entrance area/door is not 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 166cm.
• Comments View
  • This entrance gives access to Level 1.
  • Access to the hospital from this entrance is via steps or lift.

You are on Other Floors (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

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• Stairs View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2.
  • 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 not 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.

You are on Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located immediately beyond the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Octav Botnar Wing 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.
• 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 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 100cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 180cm.
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift control buttons range from 83cm to 110cm in height.
• 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 low.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • 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 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 provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located past reception on the right.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) 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 not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• 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 poor.
• The clear door width is 108cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 140cm.
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift controls are 76cm to 112cm in height.
• 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.

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• Comments View
  • There is a slight upward slope on the lift threshold.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• This ward is open 24 hours.

You are on Entrance (Butterfly Ward). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Butterfly Ward)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level 4 of the Octav Botnar Wing.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
  • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
  • There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 155cm.
• Comments View
  • The internal door release button is 174cm high.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located immediately to the left on entering the Butterfly Ward.
  • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the ward 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.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • 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 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There are two seater sofas and armchairs.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • 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.
  • The vending machine controls are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • Vending machines are available.
  • A water dispenser is 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 bright.

You are on Ward (Butterfly Ward). Skip to the next section.

Ward (Butterfly Ward)

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an cancer ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 18 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 22 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 156cm (5ft 1in).
  • 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.
  • 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 115cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 72cm.
  • 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 a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
• Example Side Room View
  • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
  • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
  • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
  • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
  • Bedside storage is not available.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is poor.
  • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
  • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
  • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
  • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is good.
  • The lighting levels in the ensuite are bright.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
  • The ward does not play background music.
  • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
• Visitor Facilities View
  • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
• Comments View
  • The internal door release button is 174cm high.
  • The relatives' room was closed for refurbishment at time of the survey (April 2017).

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L4077 - Treatment Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (L4077 - Treatment Room)

• The name / number of the room surveyed was; L4077 - 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) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are bright.

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

Accessible Toilet (Reception Area)

• 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located in the Butterfly Ward reception area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the unit 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 inwards.
  • 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 210cm x 220cm (6ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
  • 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 145cm (4ft 9in).
  • 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, general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is not a/are not 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 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
  • 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).
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 103cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).

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

Related Access Guides

• To view other access guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children link (new tab) - click here.
• Octav Botnar Wing link (new tab) - click here.