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

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• On Street Blue Badge Parking View
  • 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.
• Public Car Park View
  • There is not a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
• Additional Public Parking Information View
  • For more information on public parking please click here (new tab).

You are on Getting To (Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department). Skip to the next section.

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.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • 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.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There are metal gates at the entrance which are permanently held open during opening hours.
  • The width is 164cm.

You are on Reception (Main Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Main Reception)

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• Reception View
  • 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.
• 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 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.

You are on Other Floors (Ground to Second Floors). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Ground to Second Floors)

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• Stairs View
  • 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.

You are on Other Floors (Second to Third Floors). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Second to Third Floors)

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• Stairs View
  • 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.

You are on Lift (Lift 1). Skip to the next section.

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 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 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.

You are on Lift (Lift 2). Skip to the next section.

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 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 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.

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

Opening Times

• Access is by appointment only.

You are on Department / Service (Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Cochlear Implant and Audiology Department)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • 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.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • 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.

You are on Waiting Room / Area. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L03). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L05). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L08). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L16). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

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.

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 - Sight and Sound Centre link (new tab) - click here.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital - Main Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.