Skip to main content

Weston House Accommodation

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

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 The Hospital

  • 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

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.

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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Great Ormond Street.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped 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 a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is an intercom at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm.
    • The ramp/slope bypasses bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Opening Times

  • Reception is staffed 24 hours per day.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located just beyond the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main hospital 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 not 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 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the 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 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 medium.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
    • 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 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 landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located beyond the main hospital entrance and to the right.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main hospital 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 G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
  • 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 contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • Lighting levels are at least 100 lux at floor level in the lift lobby.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 85cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm.
  • 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 not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Inside Access (Communal Area)

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • No Braille signage is available.
  • No tactile signage is available.
  • Some pictorial signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Room

  • General Information View
    • There are 38 rooms in total.
    • There are 0 standard ground floor rooms.
    • There are 38 standard rooms on other floors.
  • Accessible Rooms View
    • There are accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 15 room(s) which has / have accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 8 adjoining room(s) available for carers.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible room viewed is 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift entrance.
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
    • This is by lift.
  • Accessible Room View
    • The room number or room name viewed was 4.1.
    • The width of the door is 83cm.
    • The height of the bed is 56cm.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 30cm (12in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the room.
    • An adjoining room is not available.
    • Assistance dogs are welcomed to stay with guests in accessible rooms.
  • Accessible Ensuite View
    • The width of the door to the ensuite is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door weight is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The dimensions of the accessible ensuite are 143cm x 310cm (4ft 8in x 10ft 2in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
    • 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 in height.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the sink is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available in the ensuite.
    • It is tied up and out of reach(higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Bath and Shower View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • The shower seat is flip-down.
    • The flip down or fixed seat height is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Signage, colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • There is no additional signage on or near the hotel door.
    • The colour contrast between the external hotel room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal hotel room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the external ensuite door and wall is poor.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible ensuite View
    • The colour contrast between the internal ensuite door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ensuite is good.
    • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • Some hotel rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
    • The available auxiliary aid(s) is(are) vibrating pillow(s).
    • Flashing fire alarms are in rooms.
    • Vibrating fire alarms are available from reception.
    • The hotel does provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
    • The other available auxiliary aid(s) is(are) mobile hoists.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with guests in rooms.
    • The number of accessible rooms with baths is 0.
    • The number of accessible rooms with wheel in showers is 17.
  • Ground Floor Standard Rooms View
    • There are not standard rooms on the ground floor.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • 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 to the right of the reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 87cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot 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 colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Related Access Guides