Access Guide
Getting To (Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department)
- The Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department is/are located on the Lower Ground Floor of the Sight and Sound Centre.
- Access to the Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department is via the main entrance.
- Enter the Sight and Sound Centre via the main entrance.
Proceed down the corridor to the left of the reception desk and take Lift 1 to the Lower Ground Floor.
Exit the lift and you are within the Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department. - There is step free access, via lift, to the Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department.
- The Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department is approximately 1m from the Lift 1.
- There are not resting areas along the route.
- 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.
Public Parking
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Queen Square.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 202cm x 677cm.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Payment signs are not provided.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
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Public Car Park
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- There is not a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
- Additional Public Parking Information View
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 117cm (3ft 10in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 155cm.
- 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 195cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front and beyond the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There are metal gates at the entrance which are permanently held open during opening hours.
- The width is 164cm.
Reception (Main Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead as you enter the building.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 is bench seating and single seats with armrests.
- 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 a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not 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 good.
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Comments
View
- AR,
- Touch screen 120-135.
Lift (Lift 1)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the right as you enter the corridor located on the left-hand side of the main reception desk.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 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 LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is not 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 high.
- The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 119cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 136cm x 250cm.
- 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 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.
Lift (Lift 2)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located towards the rear right-hand side of the building.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) 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 LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is not 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 high.
- The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 110cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 198cm x 139cm.
- 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 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.
Other Floors (Ground to Second Floors)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1 and 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth 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 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 moderate to good.
Other Floors (Second to Third Floors)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the second floor and on the third floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2 and 3.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- 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.
- 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 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 not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Opening Times
- Access is by appointment only.
Department / Service (Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department)
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Department / Service Access
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- The Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department is located on the Lower Ground Floor of the Sight and Sound Centre.
- There is not a/are not door(s) leading into the department/service.
- There is level access throughout the department/service.
- There is no clear signage on the department/service.
- The type of flooring is carpet and 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.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a waiting room/area and consultation rooms.
- There are 16 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is available.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- 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 Lower Ground Floor, along the corridor.
- There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
- Standard toilet facilities are located on the Lower Ground Floor, along the corridor.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the Lift 1.
- 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) may be difficult to open.
- 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Announcements are in person and visual.
- 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 available.
- There is 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 low to moderate.
Consultation / Treatment Room (L03)
- There is / are 16 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; L03.
- 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 easy 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 a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- 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.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (L05)
- There is / are 16 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; L05.
- 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 easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (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 height adjustable.
- There are some chairs with 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (L08)
- There is / are 16 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; L08.
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is not 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 height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (L16)
- There is / are 16 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; L16.
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- 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 height adjustable.
- There are some chairs with 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Changing Places facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor, ground floor, first floor, second floor, and third floor.
- Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor, ground floor, first floor, second floor, and third floor.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the changing places facility and the accessible toilets on the lower ground floor, ground floor, first floor, second floor, and third floor.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital - Sight and Sound Centre link (new tab) - click here.
