Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Sky Ward

Great Ormond Street Hospital , Great Ormond Street, London Borough of Camden, London, WC1N 3JH

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To (Sky Ward)

  • Sky Ward is/are located on Level 6 of the Octav Botnar Wing.
  • Access to Sky 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 6 and on exiting turn left and the Sky Ward is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Sky Ward.
  • Sky Ward is approximately 4m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lift and the department/service.
  • 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.

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 (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance E)

  • This entrance is located off Lamb's Conduit Street.
  • 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 entry system at a height of 90cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 162cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • This entrance gives access to Level 1 of the Octav Botnar Wing.

Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance E Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter via the Octav Botnar Wing entrance E.
  • The distance from the Octav Botnar Wing entrance E is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Levels 1 and 2 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a low 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 800kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 99cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 162cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities and an audible announcer.
    • The lift has a separate door to exit.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the right as you enter the Octav Botnar Wing entrance E.
  • The distance from the Octav Botnar Wing entrance E lift is 12m.
  • 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 low 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 1,000kg.
    • 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 109cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 141cm (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 low at the time of the survey.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Opening Times

  • This ward is open 24 hours.
  • Comments View
    • Parents are welcome to visit at any time.
    • Brothers or sisters and other visitors can visit between the hours of 12pm and 10pm.

Entrance

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 6 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located immediately beyond the unit entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the unit 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 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.
    • 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 is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Some 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.
    • 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.

Ward (Sky Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an orthopaedic and spinal surgery ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 18 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.
    • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 178cm (5ft 10in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is 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 medium.
  • 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.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does 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 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 medium.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet, a wash basin and a ceiling tracking hoist.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is medium.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • 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 available on the ward.
    • There is a Changing Places facility for patients 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 168cm high.

Consultation / Treatment Room (L6063 - Treatment Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; L6063 - 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are light.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is powered overhead.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All 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.

Changing Places (Sky Ward)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located opposite side room 12.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 300cm x 430cm (9ft 10in x 14ft 1in).
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
  • Comments View
    • This facility was used for storage at the time of the survey (April 2017).

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Area)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 Sky Ward reception area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the unit 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 192cm x 195cm (6ft 4in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • 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 a/are 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • 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 low visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).

Related Access Guides