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Seal

St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, 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 (Seal)

  • Seal is/are located on the second floor of the South Wing.
  • Access to Seal is via the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • Enter via 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 take the South Wing Lift B to the second floor. Exit the lift turn left and then right. Seal is located at the end of the corridor on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Seal.
  • Seal is approximately 45m from the South Wing Lift B.
  • 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.

Other Floors (South Wing Stairs B)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located within the South Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 173m from the main hospital 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 sets of stairs within the South Wing located on the main corridor.

Lift (South Wing Lifts B)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the South Wing.
  • The lift is approximately 173m (189yd 7in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 136cm x 256cm (4ft 6in x 8ft 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 sets of lifts within the South Wing located along the main corridor.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Seal)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the second floor of South 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 123cm .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right on entering.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Seal 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 not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • 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 not provided in the reception area.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • 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.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Bay)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Bay.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • 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 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/are adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment)

  • There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is 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.
  • Some 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.

Accessible Toilet (Bay - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the Research Bay.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Seal 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 is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 247cm x 248cm (8ft 1in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 177cm (5ft 10in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).

Accessible Toilet (Seal Entrance - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the left before the Seal entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Seal 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 is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 223cm x 208cm (7ft 4in x 6ft 10in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 152cm (4ft 12in).
    • 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 female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is 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 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located ahead and to the right on entering.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Seal entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the standard toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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.