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Possum Ward

Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street , London, WC1N 3JH

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Access Guide

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Getting To (The Possum Ward)

  • The Possum Ward is/are located on level 5 of the Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building.
  • Access to the Possum Ward is via the hospital main entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Hospital Entrance, continue past the main reception and turn right into the main corridor. Continue along the corridor to the Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building. Enter the lift lobby through the automatic doors and take the lifts to Level 5. Exit the lift, go through the double doors and Possum Ward is located on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Possum Ward.
  • The Possum Ward is approximately 18m from the Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Morgan Stanley/Premier Inn Clinical Building lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Parking (Guilford Street On-street Parking)

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Parking View
    • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
    • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Guilford Street.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located off Guilford Street.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 104cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 85cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 134cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • This entrance gives access to the street level of the hospital.

Lift (Morgan Stanley/ Premier Inn - Lift 2)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right, as you enter the Premier Inn Clinical Building via Level 2.
  • The distance from the Premier Inn Clinical Building entrance is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 ,6, and 7 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 1,900kg.
    • 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 130cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 150cm (width) x 256cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Ward (The Possum Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an neurology ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 8 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 8 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 183cm (6ft).
    • 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 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 ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • 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 have a ceiling track hoist.
    • The hoist covers the bed and the toilet.
    • 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 available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are moderate to good.
    • 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 wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are moderate to good.
  • 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.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level 2 of the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times for parents and siblings. All other visitors are to adhere to the ward visiting hours of 10am - 7.30pm.

Washroom (Ensuite Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 199cm x 197cm (6ft 6in x 6ft 6in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 138cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Toilet - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 in the foyer outside the ward entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the ward entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 208cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 10in).
    • 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 not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is 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 for the toilet.
    • 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 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • 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 113cm.
    • 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 visual 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 moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

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