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Governors’ Hall Suite

St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

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 hospital 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 at information points around the hospital.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located outside the main entrance.
  • 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.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital, accessed via Lambeth Palace Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 280cm (9ft 2in).
    • The car park does 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 422cm x 547cm (13ft 10in x 17ft 11in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 left before reaching the entrance barriers.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located outside the North Wing entrance, inside the Lambeth Wing Lower Ground floor entrance, and inside the Main entrance.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 16m (17yd 1ft) from the North Wing Lower Ground entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is also sheltered parking available.
    • 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 08:00 to 18:00. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.

Getting To (Governors’ Hall Suite)

  • The Governors’ Hall Suite is/are located on the ground floor of the South Wing.
  • Access to the Governors’ Hall Suite is via the main hospital entrance.
  • On entering the main hospital entrance, proceed past reception and turn right. Continue past the shops located on the right and turn left into the North Wing. Proceed past the North Wing lifts into the South Wing and the Governors’ Hall Suite is located on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Governors’ Hall Suite.
  • The Governors’ Hall Suite is approximately 68m from the main hospital entrance.
  • 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 flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Hospital 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Entrance

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the South Wing.
    • 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 151cm.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate and tiles.
  • 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 low to moderate.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • The stairs are located within Governors’ Hall.
    • The stairs are approximately 13m from the Governors’ Hall Suite entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not 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

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within Governors’ Hall.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Governors’ Hall Suite Entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 111cm x 141cm (3ft 8in x 4ft 8in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Grand Committee Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Grand Committee 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.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No 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 medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Overseas Visitor's Unit)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Overseas Visitor's Unit.
  • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No 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 medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (South Wing Committee Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; South Wing Committee 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.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • No 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 medium.

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 on the ground floor of the Governors’ Hall Suite.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Governors’ Hall Suite 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 inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 171cm x 305cm (5ft 7in x 10ft).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 287cm (9ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 female sanitary and general domestic 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 74cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right on the Governors’ Hall Suite corridor.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Governors’ Hall Suite entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter the Governors’ Hall Suite.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Governors’ Hall Suite entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

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.