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Samaritan Ward

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.

Opening Times (Visiting Times)

  • Monday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

Getting To (Samaritan Ward)

  • The Samaritan Ward is/are located on the eighth floor of the Borough Wing.
  • Access to the Samaritan Ward is via the main entrance.
  • On entering via the main entrance, the reception is located on the right. Continue past reception and take the Borough Wing entrance located on the right. The Borough Wing lifts are located on the left. Take the lift to the eighth floor and on exiting the lift turn left through the doors into the foyer. The Samaritan Ward is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Samaritan Ward.
  • The Samaritan Ward is approximately 17m from the Borough Wing lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Borough Wing lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding 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 some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 210cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a touch button on the revolving doors which slows them down and makes them accessible for wheelchair users. The button is 86cm high from the floor.

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 (Borough Wing)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor 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.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Other Floors (Borough Wing)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG,G,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.
    • The stairs are located within the Borough Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Borough Wing entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift (Borough Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the Borough Wing.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Borough Wing 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.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 203cm x 198cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 6in).
  • 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.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an chemotherapy and cancer ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 8 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 25 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 114cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is not 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 colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are moderate to good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located off the ground floor main foyer.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside the ward entrance in the foyer.

Washroom (Ward Corridor)

  • 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 shared.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 172cm x 310cm (5ft 8in x 10ft 2in).
    • The washroom does 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 165cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • 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 81cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm.
    • 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 47cm (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 103cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 82cm.
    • 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 does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Washroom (Male Bay)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a shower.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is male.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 181cm x 243cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 12in).
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was not working at the time of the survey.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 165cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is not a wash basin.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Washroom (Accessible Shared Washroom)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a shower.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 257cm x 196cm (8ft 5in x 6ft 5in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 164cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a wash basin.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower area is accessed via an easy slope.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Male Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 174cm x 149cm (5ft 9in x 4ft 11in).
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a push button alarm system in this washroom.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower area is accessed via an easy slope.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.

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.