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Rheumatology (Tower) / The Louise Coote Lupus Unit

Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main entrance to Guy's Hospital is located off Great Maze Pond. Please use the postcode SE1 9RT. Guy's Hospital is located in the Congestion Charge zone.
    • Parking is very limited for Guy's Hospital. Please use public transport whenever possible. Parking in Guy's car park is only available for disabled patients on Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 16:40.
  • By Bus View
    • Please allow plenty of time to get from the bus stop to the hospital, as the hospital is not signposted from the bus stop locations. The following buses stop at London Bridge, London Bridge Station or near Guy's Hospital: 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521, 701, RV1, C10. Night buses stop at or near London Bridge: N21, N35, N47, N133, N343 and N381.
  • By Train View
    • London Bridge is the nearest railway station and is five minutes walk away.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground stations are: London Bridge - Northern and Jubilee lines (five minutes walk away). Monument - District and Circle lines (15 minutes walk away).
  • 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 on the ground floor in the main foyer.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7188 8801.
  • 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 can be found around the hospital at information points.
  • 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.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, walking frames, walking sticks and crutches.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located outside the main entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 15 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 756cm (12ft x 24ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the right of the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the accessible entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals and the community services is very limited.
    • Both of the hospitals and many of the services are located in the Congestion Charging zone. Please use public transport whenever possible.
    • Charging exceptions
    • If you're a disabled patient attending an appointment, you'll be given free parking in the main car park upon production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • Please take your Blue Badge (leaving the clock on display if parked in a disabled bay, white entry ticket to the car park and appointment letter/card to the Knowledge and Information Centre (KIC), which is located on the ground floor of St Thomas', North Wing. The KIC is open from 8am to 6pm. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.
    • Parking at Guy's
    • Between Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm, there is disabled parking only at Guy's Hospital. Vehicles can only access the car park from Snowsfield and not from St Thomas Street.
    • This is for patients who are Blue Badge holders and have an appointment on that day. These disabled parking bays are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis on production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • There is an NCP car park at the junction of Snowsfield and Kipling Street, about a five minute walk from the hospital. Charges are displayed at the entrance.

Getting To (Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus unit)

  • Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit is/are located on the fourth floor of Tower Wing.
  • Access to Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
  • On entering the main hospital entrance, proceed to the end of the main foyer and turn left to Tower Wing lifts B. Take the lifts to the fourth floor and on exiting turn right, then left and the Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit.
  • Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit is approximately 35m from the Tower Wing B lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the main hospital entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is 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.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 196cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 196cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the accessible entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • The push pad buttons to activate the automatic doors range in height from 93cm to 101cm.

Entrance (Tower Wing Entrance Lifts A and B)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the hospital main foyer.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is an entrance for both lifts, one for Tower Wing A and one for Tower Wing B. The entrance details are the same for both.

Other Floors (Tower Wing)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG - 30.
    • The stairs are located within the Tower Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Tower Wing entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Lift (Tower Wing Lifts B)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the main foyer.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG,G,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 229cm x 165cm (7ft 6in x 5ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Clinic Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the fourth floor of the Tower Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Reception

  • The Rheumatology (Tower)/The Louise Coote Lupus Unit reception is located ahead on entering the unit and then to the right.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the clinic entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
  • The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are medium.
  • The height of the reception desk is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • 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 not available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Main)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 12m from the clinic entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person and visual.
  • 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 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 medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Blood Tests)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 28m from the clinic entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • Announcements are in person and visual.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not 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 medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room 6)

  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room 6.
  • 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 heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (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.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is not 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Blood Test 1)

  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Blood Test 1.
  • 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 heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • 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 ahead on entering the clinic.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the clinic 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 lever twist.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 212cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 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 general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 106cm.
    • 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 poor 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 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 98cm (3ft 3in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Related Access Guides

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
  • The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme helps people with hidden disabilities which aren’t always obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments.
  • For more information on this scheme please click here.